“'And have you not seen her since?'
“'No. Indeed, I think it quite as well, too. She 'll have time to think over what I said, and see what a deuced good offer it is; for though I know she was going to make objections about inequality of station and all that at the time, reflection will bring better thoughts.'
“'And she 'll consent, you think?'
“'I wish I had a bet on it,' said he.
“'So you shall, then,' said I, endeavoring to seem thoroughly at my ease. 'It's a very unworthy occasion for a wager, Martin; but I'll lay five hundred to one she refuses you.'
“'Taken, and booked,' cried he, writing it down in his note-book. “I only regret it is not in thousands.'
“'So it should be, if I could honestly stake what I have n't got.'
“'You are so sanguine of winning? '
“' So certain, you ought to say.'
“' Of course you use no influence against me,—you take no step of any kind to affect her decision.'