“I scarcely know, mamma, whether I ought to reveal poor Robert’s confidences.”

“Well?”

“Well, mamma!”

“You did not reject him?”

“Yes, madam.”

“I’m astonished! How long ago has this been?”

“Dear mamma, twelve months ago Robert first did me the honour of offering his hand, and I gratefully declined it.”

“Yet continued to keep his company! Oh, Rosalie! Well, has he ever renewed his proposals?”

“Yes, mamma, several times.”

“And you have continued to reject them?”