"I know I have; it's my large, kind heart and wish to please; and when we are married I will both charm and amuse you."
"No, no; it will not be safe for me to marry you; for how about this other woman; would you charm and amuse her also?"
"Just as I was in the humor; if she angered me, I would not think twice of setting Tyr on her."
"Dinner is served, ma'am."
On repairing to the dining-room; and having done ample justice to a substantial dinner, prepared with a view to the possible advent of the Dales; and when the oyster soup, roast beef, with delicious vegetables, had been removed, dessert on, and Thomas dismissed, Mr. Cobbe said, in pleased tones:
"I must congratulate you on your cook, Elaine."
"Then you congratulate myself, Philip; for my seraph of the frying-pan knows next to nothing of the art; I devote two hours of each day to my culinary department."
"For which you have the thanks of your guests, and for which Bridget will make you pay."
"Yes; I know; but they all do it; when they feel their wings, they demand higher wages, or fly.
"When will you marry me, Elaine?" he said, lightly, as they entered the drawing-room.