"How comes it that you are in such a deserted and disconsolate condition?" cried Mary.
"I am not in such a condition. Since crossing your threshold I have become contentment itself. Indeed, I regard myself as the most favored man in the house, for I, first of all, am able to lay my homage at Madge's feet."
"Let me warn you from the start that it will prove a stumbling-block in both our paths," said the girl. "Did you not receive my message? But, then, it's stupid to think you will ever consider me."
"I have been considering you a great deal more than you think, especially since you metaphorically boxed my ears this morning, and took away my breath generally this afternoon."
"You seem to have plenty left."
"Oh, I'm recovering. Reason is trying to scramble back on her throne. I've been out to the lake alone in the moonlight, and have had the whole scene over again, to assure myself that it was real."
"What! You have not been in the water?"
"No; I was content to moon it out on the shore; but it seemed to me that I saw you as clearly there as here."
"Little wonder! I must have been the most extraordinary looking creature that ever prowled in these wilds."
"You were; only lookers-on did all the devouring. I wouldn't dare tell you the compliments I have heard."