CHAPTER XLVII
Miss Boncassen's Idea of Heaven
It was generally known that Dolly Longstaff had been heavily smitten by the charms of Miss Boncassen; but the world hardly gave him credit for the earnestness of his affection. Dolly had never been known to be in earnest in anything;—but now he was in very truth in love. He had agreed to be Popplecourt's companion at Custins because he had heard that Miss Boncassen would be there. He had thought over the matter with more consideration than he had ever before given to any subject. He had gone so far as to see his own man of business, with a view of ascertaining what settlements he could make and what income he might be able to spend. He had told himself over and over again that he was not the "sort of fellow" that ought to marry; but it was all of no avail. He confessed to himself that he was completely "bowled over,"—"knocked off his pins!"
"Is a fellow to have no chance?" he said to Miss Boncassen at Custins.
"If I understand what a fellow means, I am afraid not."
"No man alive was ever more in earnest than I am."
"Well, Mr. Longstaff, I do not suppose that you have been trying to take me in all this time."
"I hope you do not think ill of me."
"I may think well of a great many gentlemen without wishing to marry them."