'Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder what you are.'"
"I am sorry that I so rudely broke in upon your reflections. I always turn to the memory of my childhood's happy days with pleasure and satisfaction."
"Bless me, how extremely sentimental we are getting! But I must be going——"
"Stay a moment, Mary, I would like to have a word or two with you, if you can spare a few moments?"
"What impudence, sir!"
"In what way, may I ask?"
"Since when, and by what right, have you taken to address me by my Christian name?" she inquired, with a good-humoured smile.
"It was a liberty, I must confess, but one which I hope my explanation will lead you to pardon."
"Well, if it's going to take long I am afraid I shall not be able to stop and listen."
"I daresay I can manage it in a few words, although it's a subject I have had no previous experience of. Until I saw you, Mary,—for so I must call you until forbidden to do so,—I never set eyes upon the woman I could say I truly loved. But, from the day you first made your appearance amongst us, the feeling has been growing, until I now fully realise you are that other half I need to make my life complete."