“I am aspersed by enemies. I swear to you, that in that sense you should have no cause to complain of my liberality.”
“I am not so sure of that, notwithstanding the oath you would take. Promises made before marriage are too often broken after. I would not trust you, my man—not I, i’ faith.”
“But you can trust me, I assure you.”
“You cannot assure me; besides, I have had no proofs of your liberality in the past. Why, Mr Ringgold, you never made me a present in your life. Ha, ha, ha!”
“Had I known you would have accepted one—it would gratify me—Miss Randolph, I would give you anything I possess.”
“Good! Now, I shall put you to the test: you shall make me a gift.”
“Name it—it shall be yours.”
“Oh, you fancy I am going to ask you for some trifling affair—a horse, a poodle, or some bit of glittering bijouterie. Nothing of the sort, I assure you.”
“I care not what. I have offered you my whole fortune, and therefore will not hesitate to give you a part of it. Only specify what you may desire, and I shall freely give it.”
“That sounds liberal indeed. Very well, then, you have something I desire to possess—and very much desire it—in truth, I have taken a fancy to be its owner, and had some designs of making offers to you for the purchase of it.”