“Absolutely.”
“Would you mind if I didn’t?”
“Not half so m-much as I should if you did.”
“But I tried, to please you, you know.”
“But it doesn’t please me, you know.”
She looked at him doubtfully. He took her hands, his eyes glowing.
“I love you for trying, you dear,” he said, “but I shouldn’t love you if I let you go on trying—nor, I expect, would any one else.”
“Pig!” she exclaimed.
“Audrey,” he said, “you couldn’t play when I fell in love with you, so why should I wish you to now? It would never be yourself; and that’s what I want of all things. Let every one develop the best that’s in him, and leave affectation to the donkeys. So you’ll just come over to Barton’s farm with me, to give me your advice about the loveliest litter of bull-pups you ever saw.”
He had something to say to her, and when they were on their way he came out with it soberly.