"Willingly."
"I was about to ask you—as you were kind enough to say that I could make you laugh if any one could—I was about to ask, how would you like to have a wife like me?"
And Hoffland burst out laughing. Ernest sighed.
"I think I should like it very well—to reply simply to your question."
"Indeed!"
"Yes."
"What do you admire so much in me?"
"I love more than I admire, Charles."
"Do you?" And the boy's head drooped.
"Yes," said Mowbray; "you possess a childlike ingenuousness and simplicity which is exceedingly refreshing to me after intense study. I would call your conversation at times prattle, but for the fear of offending you."