"We were always very good friends, I think," continued I.
"Oh, yes, Regie dear."
"Childhood was a very happy time," said I, sentimentally.
"Oh, yes, Regie dear."
"But we can't be children for ever," I continued.
"Oh, no, Regie dear."
"Please take what I am going to say kindly, cousin, whatever you may think of it."
"Oh, yes, Regie dear."
"I hope I may truthfully say that your happiness is, as it ought to be, my chief aim in the matter."
Maria's response was inaudible.