"Well, that may be because they feel how very serious are the consequences of such an act."
"Bother the seriousness! I don't believe that enters into their minds. They are too frequently wondering what sort of figure they will cut if the woman or girl should happen to say 'No' to them."
"That's not the case with all of them."
"It may not be, but it is with most of them."
"I'm afraid you are rather cynical, Mary."
"Well, I can't help it if I am."
"And I don't think you care much for poor John."
"To tell the downright truth," added Mary, "I don't think I do, either."
"Then, regardless of the man's feelings, don't say yes to him unless you feel you can love him."
"That's why I want more time," she replied a little more soberly. Then, after reflecting for a while, she continued, "You know, when I came out here it was with the intention of marrying my cousin; and but for the sad accident which befell us, I should in all probability by this time have been Joe's wife. The change was so sudden, and his loss comparatively so recent, that really I have scarcely had time to get over it, and to examine the state of my own feelings thoroughly."