Is there any reason why you'd rather not have this thing settled." "No; no special reason." "Then why not let it be fixed?
Do you fear coming to me as my wife ?" "No." "I cannot think that you repent your goodness to me." "No; I don't repent it;--what you call my goodness?
I love you too entirely for that." "My darling!" And now he passed his arm round her waist as they stood near the empty fireplace.

"And if you love me--" "I do love you." "Then why should you not wish to come to me ?" "I do wish it.

I think I wish it." "But, Alice, you must have wished it altogether when you consented to be my wife." "A person may wish for a thing altogether, and yet not wish for it instantly." "Instantly! Come; I have not been hard on you.

This is still June.
Will you say the middle of September, and we shall still be in time for warm pleasant days among the lakes?
Is that asking for too much ?" "It is not asking for anything." "Nay, but it is, love.

Grant it, and I will swear that you have granted me everything." She was silent, having things to say but not knowing in what words to put them.