“Well, don’t say it in such a cold, serious way, dear.”
“But it is a matter upon which one is bound to be cool and very serious.”
“Well, yes, of course. I don’t know that people are any the better for showing a lot of gush.”
“No, Harry, it is not so deep as the liking which is calm and cool and enduring.”
“I s’pose not,” said the young man very disconcertedly. “But don’t be quite so cool. I know you too well to think you would play with me.”
“I hope I shall always be very sincere, Harry.”
“Of course you will. I know you will. We began by being playmates—almost like brother and sister.”
“Yes, Harry.”
“But I always felt as I grew older that I should some day ask you to be my darling little wife, and, come now, you always thought so too?”
“Yes, Harry, I always thought so too.”