Harry shortened his stride, and looked down with grim amusement at
Alison's breathless bosom.
"I believe you mean to make an end of me before you have begun with me," she panted. "Lord, sir, what a figure you'll cut if you bring me to church too faint to say, 'I will.'"
"Why, the Levite would but take it for maiden modesty. Not knowing you."
"You are trying to play the brute. It won't save you, Harry. I shan't be frightened."
"You! No, faith, it's I. I am beside myself with terror."
"I do believe that's true!" She laughed at him. "But, oh, dear sir, why?"
"Lest I should not fulfil the heroical expectations of Miss Lambourne. Confess it, ma'am; you count on me to exalt you into heavens of ecstasy, to bewilder the world with my glories, and be shaved by breakfast-time."
"To be sure, I'll always expect the impossible of you."
"There it is. I suppose you expect me to begin by creating a wedding-ring."
"Why, you have created me."