"No deed, Miss Esther, but I'm dying in love with you."
"The best thing you can do, is to take yourself home," said Esther. "I hope you're sober."
"I was never soberer in my life," said Robert, "but the fact is, Miss Esther, I'm tired of a bachelor's life; 'pears as if it wasn't respectable, and so I'm thinking of settling down."
"You want settling down, for true," said Esther.
"I'm mighty happy to hear you say so," said Robert, "and if you'll only mention what time it'll be agreeable to you to make me the happiest man in Virginny, I'le speak to Uncle Watty Harkins about performing the ceremony, without you prefer a white minister to tie the knot."
"Robert," said Esther, "you're a born fool; do you mean to say you want me to marry you?"
"Certainly, Esther; I shouldn't pay you no attentions, if I didn't mean to act like a gentleman by you."
"Well, I can tell you," said Esther, "I wouldn't marry you, to save your life."
"You ain't in earnest, Esther?"
"Indeed I am," said Esther, "so you better not be coming here on any such fool's errand again."