He had not pressed her.

At least he had not pressed her with that eager pressure which a girl must resist with something of the opposition of a contest, if she resist it at all.

But in truth his impatience was now waxing strong, and during the absence in Switzerland of which we have spoken, he resolved that a marriage very late in the autumn,--that a marriage even in winter, would be better than a marriage postponed till the following year.

It was not yet late in August when the party returned from their tour.

Would not a further delay of two months suffice for his bride?
Alice had written to him occasionally from Switzerland, and her first two letters had been very charming.