"I wasn't thinking of you at all," said Peggy calmly.
"I see," said Timothy in a hollow voice. "Yourself? Quite so!" He laughed sardonically.
"No," replied Peggy patiently; "of something bigger. Something bigger than either of us. I was thinking—well, of the nation at large."
"Peggy," enquired Timothy, entirely befogged but considerably intrigued, "what are you talking about?"
"Sit down, and listen," replied Peggy.
Timothy obeyed, and the girl continued:—
"It's this way, Tim. Many a man of promise has ruined his prospects by an early marriage. You are a man of promise, Tim."
"Oh, rot!" protested Timothy, kindling none the less.
"If you were to marry now," continued Peggy, in the same thoughtful voice, "you would settle down into a contented, domesticated husband."
Tim nodded.