When he had gone, Polly and I looked at each other, and then burst out laughing.
"The plot certainly thickens," said I, sitting down again.

"I beg you to listen to the gratified parent whistling as he retires.

What shall we do, Polly, how could you blush so ?" "How could I help it when I saw you get so red ?" said Polly.
"We certainly are a wonderful family at this point," said I; "the whole lot of us in a mess with our love affairs, and my aunt and the governor off on completely wrong scents." "Oh, I think everybody's the same," said Polly, picking off half-ripe mulberries and flinging them hither and thither; "but that doesn't make one any better pleased with oneself for being a fool." "You're not a fool," said I, pulling her down to the seat again; "but I wish you wouldn't be cross when you're unhappy.

Look at me.
Disappointment has made me sympathetic instead of embittering me.

But, seriously, Polly, I'm sure you and Leo will come all right, and in the general rejoicing your mother must let Clerke and poor Maria be happy.
Even I might have found consolation with the beautiful heiress if I had been left to find out her merits for myself; but one gets rather tired of having young ladies suggested to one by attentive friends.
The fact is, matrimony is not in my line.