"Well, between you and me and the gatepost, Miss Nancy will be engaged within two months."
"No!"—excitedly.
"It is written."
"And to whom, pray?"
"It's the woman's place to announce an engagement. But I know the man."
"He is worthy?"
"Oh, as men go."
Then the water-clock in the fountain struck twelve, and I sprang up.
"Mercy, I'll never find any Cinderella at this rate. All is lost if she escapes me."