"Well, have the lovers bored you to death with their spooning since I've been away?"
"There's been a good deal of it, and not much relief. Only Andy Hayes now and then."
"Rather tiresome to be the onlooker all the time. Wouldn't you like a little on your own account?"
"I'm in no hurry." She looked him straight in the face, rather defiantly.
"I've made up my mind since I've been away. I'm not a good hand at speeches or at spooning, but I'm fond of you, Isobel. I'll make you a good husband—and it's for you to consider whether you'll ever get a better chance."
"I should like more time to think it over."
"Oh, come, don't tell me you haven't been thinking it over for weeks past. What's the difficulty?"
"I'm not in love with you—that's all."
"I don't expect to inspire a romantic passion, like young Harry."
"Can't you leave Harry Belfield out of it?" she asked irritably.