FALK.
Nay, but you had another argument
For staying; how the lovely dale for you
Was mountain air and winged warble too.
LIND.
Yes, to be sure, this air is unalloyed;
But all its benefits may be enjoyed
Over one's book without the slightest bar.
FALK.
But it was just the Book which failed, you see,
As Jacob's ladder—
LIND.
How perverse you are!
That is what people say when they are free—
FALK [looking at him and folding his hands in silent
amazement].
Thou also, Brutus!
LIND [with a shade of confusion and annoyance].
Pray remember, do!
That I have other duties now than you;
I have my fiancee. Every plighted pair,
Those of prolonged experience not excepted,—
Whose evidence you would not wish rejected,—
Will tell you, that if two are bound to fare
Through life together, they must—
FALK.
Prithee spare
The comment; who supplied it?
LIND.
Well, we'll say
Stiver, he's honest surely; and Miss Jay,
Who has such very great experience here,
She says—
FALK.
Well, but the Parson and his—dear?
LIND.
Yes, they're remarkable. There broods above
Them such placidity, such quietude,—
Conceive, she can't remember being wooed,
Has quite forgotten what is meant by love.