"But seriously, Tom."
"To be sure; yes, seriously, Kitty," returned the brother, composing his countenance.
"You don't want to lose Cousin Blanche, do you?"
"I have never thought much about it, Kitty. What do you think about it?"
"I think, Tom, that you will be sorry to lose her."
"Um! Well?"
"You know it was all settled so long ago."
"That's true enough," said Tom.
"And then when you marry you are to come into a partnership."
"Nobody ever married without coming into that," said Tom.