"Yes. But I don't see why you wish to marry me."
"I can give you three reasons. Your beauty, one"--the Major checked off his remarks on his fingers; "the wish of my late friend, poor Alpenny, two; and the strong desire of Lady Watson, three."
"What has Lady Watson to do with my marriage?" asked Beatrice in a fiery tone.
"She was your mother's best friend, and----"
"That gives her no right to interfere," cried Miss Hedge, rising. "I thank you, Major Ruck, for your proposal, but I must decline."
"No! no! Don't send me away with a broken heart, Miss Hedge."
"Men like you do not break their hearts, Major."
"There's some truth in that," admitted the Major; "our hearts are too tough. But, seriously speaking," he added, and his jovial countenance became grave, "you will be wise to marry me."
"On the three grounds you mentioned?" asked Beatrice disdainfully.
"On a fourth ground--or rather, I should say, for a fourth reason, Miss Hedge--I can protect you."