"'Well, that sort of thing does happen.'
"'What! is some one in love with you?'
"Meta blushed, 'I don't bother about it. It's quite enough that Hans loves me, and of course I should very politely forbid anything of the sort.'
"'Then people do forbid such things?'
"'Certainly, if they're told of it.'
"'What! you might be told?'
"'Sometimes, if the man who is in love with you is very bold.'
"'Good gracious,' said Hertha, shocked, 'If anyone behaved like that to me, I should box his ears.' But in great anxiety she continued, 'Do you think it likely that there are women who have a different opinion?'
"'Oh, yes!' said Meta.
"'Who--in the end--return the bold mans love?'