At the meeting of the four-in-hands, was not she on the box-seat beside me?
At Henley, were we not in the same boat?
At Hurlingham, did we not watch polo together, and together drink our tea?
At Lord's, did not I tear her new muslin garment in helping her up one of those poultry-ladders on the Torringtons' drag?
Have I not taken her in to dinner five several times?
Have I not danced with her at balls innumerable?
Have I not, in fact, seen as much of her as--of several others ?" "Oh, Charles!" said Lady Mary, "I wish you would talk seriously for one moment, and not in that light way.

Have you spoken ?" "In a light way, I should say I had spoken a good deal; but _seriously_, no.

I have never ventured to be serious." "But you will be.

After all this, you _will_ ask her ?" "Aunt Mary," replied Charles, with gentle reproach, "a certain delicacy should be observed in probing the exact state of a man's young affections.

At five-and-thirty (I know I am five-and-thirty, because you have told people so for the last three years) there exists a certain reticence in the youthful heart which declines to lay bare its inmost feelings even for an aunt to--we won't say peck at, but speculate upon.
I have told you all I know.