"Of course I am," replied Katherine.
"You would not like her heart to be broken?"
"Certainly not."
"And in the most insufferable way," he added. "But I won't explain myself now, Miss Hunt. You and I have been good friends at home."
"We have been acquaintances at home," replied Katherine. "I am afraid, Major Strause, I have no more time to give you just at present."
"Oh, don't go, for mercy's sake!" He stretched out his hand and tried to catch her dress. She moved away from him.
"You forget yourself," she said haughtily.
"I don't," he replied. "But stoop down. I am a desperate man. Why are you nursing me?"
"Why am I nursing you!"
"Yes, why?"