“Why?”
“Because neither of them can flatter herself that you love her, and her alone.”
“And do you think that your delicacy of feeling makes you happier than they are?”
“Yes, I think so though of course, I have no experience in the matter. Tell me truly, do you think I am right?”
“Yes, I do.”
“I am delighted to hear it; but you must confess that to associate me with them in your attentions would not be giving me the greatest possible proof of your love.”
“Yes, I do confess it, and I beg your pardon. But tell me how I should set to work to ask the pastor to dinner.”
“There will be no difficulty. Just call on him and ask him to come, and if you wish me to be of the party beg him to ask my mother and myself.”
“Why your mother?”
“Because he has been in love with her these twenty years, and loves her still.”