“You do not ask why,” said Richard.
“Perhaps I know why.”
The “imp” had been forcing her to keep step with the Piddiwit jingle.
“But it would help the conversation if you would ask questions.”
“Is conversation necessary?”
“Ah!” he laughed. “What would distinguish us from the rest of the animal kingdom if we didn’t talk! Yes,” he went on, “conversation is necessary. Unless you run away I’m going to talk.... It may be our last conversation together—although I won’t believe that——”
“How can you be sure, Mr. Richard?”
Into this question she tried to throw a satiric imitation of his question to her on the night of his arrival in Penn Yan, the night when she had protested that she at least would never make eyes at him; but, man-like, he had not the mind to catch such subtleties. Still, the remark gave her a little elation and put her in good spirits. She would show this young man!
“As you know,” he replied, “I am sure of nothing. That discourages some people, but it makes me continually full of hope. Micawber, you know, was kept radiantly alive by it.... Yesterday I asked you to marry me——”
“Please!” she interrupted, and quickened her pace.