"Yes, come," she said: "it is pretty by the stream; perhaps I'll give you some forget-me-nots presently."
"I want the heart's-ease which you have already picked for me," said Frere.
"Oh, there's time enough."
Frere advanced a step, and laid his hand on the girl's arm.
"Listen," he said: "I was never more in earnest in my life. I love you with all my heart and soul. I love you madly. I want you for my wife. I mean to marry you, come what may. I have plenty of money and you are the wife of all others for me. You told me this morning that you loved me, Hetty. Tell me again; say that you love me better than any one else in the world."
Hetty paused, she raised her dark eyes; the Squire was almost within earshot.
"I suppose I love you—a little," she said, in a whisper.
"Then give me a kiss—just one."
She walked on. Frere followed.
"Give me a kiss—just one," he repeated.