"It used to be a custom.

Young men used to ask young women to marry them.

And if they consented it was called 'being engaged.' Still prevails, so I am told, in certain classes." "Thanks," said Joan.

"I have heard of it." "I thought perhaps you hadn't from your tone," explained Madge.
"But if she's already engaged to him, why risk criticism of him," argued Joan, ignoring Madge's flippancy.

"It's too late." "Oh, she's going to break it off unless we all assure her that we find him brainy," Madge explained with a laugh.