And although she had rather have been all alone,
Than the state of her heart 'fore another to own,
Still refusing he might think she meant it.
And the chance would be gone,
Which her hopes had upborne,
For a twelvemonth and some few days more.
So she said, "If you please, sir, I find on reflection,
That I really have not got the slightest objection,
But I could not be ready before;
For a bit of a party we must have at night,