"Rather!"

She had finished her daisy-chain, and with a charming and child-like movement she suddenly leaned forward and threw it round his neck.

"Oh, Fanny," he cried, taking both her little hands in his, "what's the good of talking nonsense? I love you, and you'll never marry any one but me."

Fanny began to cry just like a little child, and he crept up to her and put his arm round her waist.

"I love you, Fanny. Listen, darling, I love you——"

"Don't—don't—don't!" sobbed the girl, nestling closer to him at each "don't."

"Why?"

"I was thinking just the same."

"What?"