"I see no reason why it should be a secret at all," retorted Olive, with a flush. "If my father wished for the marriage, no one can say a word against it."
"I am not saying a word against it. If I did, I should probably say too much."
"Then don't let us discuss the subject," said Olive, hurriedly; "you only make my position the harder."
"Do you consider it hard?"
"You have no right to ask me that question, Mr. Mallow."
"I beg your pardon," said the young man, reddening. "I admit that I have no right--unless you give me one."
"Mr. Mallow, I really do not understand you."
"I don't understand myself, Miss Bellairs; usually I am not timid when I should be bold."
"'Be bold--be bold, but be not over bold,'" quoted Olive, trying to turn off his speech with a laugh--an attempt which Mallow resolutely refused to countenance.
"I suppose you will marry Mr. Carson?" he inquired anxiously.