Tom. Thank you: let that be your fate; and I'll be transported. (Puts his arm round Kitty's neck.)

Kitty. How dare you, Tom Larcom? (Pushes off his arm.)

Tom. It's "neck or nothing" with me to-night, Kitty.

Nat. Tom, you are taking unfair advantage of me.

Tom. Am I? How about Kitty's posies, Nat, that I laid upon the bench?

Kitty. It's you, then, Tom.—O Nat! how could you?

Nat. I didn't: I only asked you a conundrum. All's fair in love. What's a few flowers, any way? Why, Kitty, smile upon me, and you shall have a garden.

Tom. Yes, a kitchen garden, with you as the central figure,—a cabbage-head.

Nat. Kitty, you must listen to me. I have a serious question to ask you.