"Not in the least."
"Then through what formula shall I go?"
"Go through no formula, Mr. Staveley. In such affairs as these very little, as I take it, depends on the words that are uttered. When heart has spoken to heart, or even head to head, very little other speaking is absolutely necessary."
"And my heart has not spoken to yours?"
"Well;—no;—not with that downright plain open language which a heart in earnest always knows how to use. I suppose you think you like me?"
"Sophia, I love you well enough to make you my wife to-morrow."
"Yes; and to be tired of your bargain on the next day. Has it ever occurred to you that giving and taking in marriage is a very serious thing?"
"A very serious thing; but I do not think that on that account it should be avoided."
"No; but it seems to me that you are always inclined to play at marriage. Do not be angry with me, but for the life of me I can never think you are in earnest."
"But I shall be angry—very angry—if I do not get from you some answer to what I have ventured to say."