Two weeks had passed, and Eliza Fleming was still unmarried. During that time, she had seen Durant but twice, and he appeared desirous of avoiding a private interview. She was not slow to perceive this, and it filled her mind with misgivings of his truth, or the sincerity of his protestations. She demanded an interview; the demand was acceded to; and she said:
"Why do you not make arrangements for our approaching marriage? It is surely time you were about it."
"Oh, no hurry yet," he replied. "There is plenty of time."
"Plenty of time! Yes, if all that need be done, is to call the minister, and have the ceremony performed! But it strikes me this is not all. However, what day have you fixed upon as your choice for the wedding occasion?"
"I can't say as I have thought upon any day in particular; in fact, the subject had so far escaped my mind, that I had nearly forgotten it entirely."
"A devoted lover, truly! What am I to think of such unmerited coldness?" and she burst into tears.
"Come, Eliza, let us understand each other, and be friends."
"Friends! Is that all?"
"Lovers, then."