If he chooses to come, it will show that he is in earnest; and then you must take him, or make him understand that he is not to be taken." Gerard Maule had chosen to come; but Adelaide Palliser had not as yet quite made up her mind.
Perhaps there is nothing so generally remarkable in the conduct of young ladies in the phase of life of which we are now speaking as the facility,--it may almost be said audacity,--with which they do make up their minds.

A young man seeks a young woman's hand in marriage, because she has waltzed stoutly with him, and talked pleasantly between the dances;--and the young woman gives it, almost with gratitude.

As to the young man, the readiness of his action is less marvellous than hers.

He means to be master, and, by the very nature of the joint life they propose to lead, must take her to his sphere of life, not bind himself to hers.

If he worked before he will work still.