"If ten years can't prepare you, ten minutes will be no better. Here goes the third and last, Molly—-"

"Abel, how can you be so silly?"

"That's not an answer—will you—-"

"Do you mean if I don't promise now, I'll never have the chance again?"

"I've told you—listen—-"

"Oh, wait a minute. Please, go slowly."

"—Marry me?"

"Abel, I don't believe you love me!" she said, and began to sob.

"Answer me and I'll show you."

"I didn't think you'd be so cruel—when—-"