"Why, Phoebe," said he, "whatever is the matter ?" and he took her by the shoulder.
She moaned, and he felt her all limp and powerless.
"What is it, lass?
Whatever is the matter?
Is it about going away ?" She would not speak for a long time.
When she did speak, it was to say something for which my male reader may not be prepared.

But it will not surprise the women.
"O Dick--forgive me!" "Why, what for ?" "Forgive me, or else kill me: I don't care which." "I do, though.

There, I forgive you.

Now what's your crime ?" "I can't go.

Forgive me!" "Can't go ?" "I can't.