"You meant that about the pup?" said Bob.
"Of course, Bob."
"I'll talk his beastly head off," said Bob.
And this was why Penelope spoke confidentially to Captain Goby before she did so to the poet. She was exceedingly pale and very dignified, but she lost no time in getting to the point.
"Captain Goby," she said, "you have asked me to marry you at least three times."
Goby sighed.
"Is it only three?" he demanded, and he added, firmly, "it will be more yet."
"And I said 'no' because I had no idea of marrying any one."
"That was rot," said Goby. "For, if you married no one else, you would marry me."
"Certainly not as you are," retorted Penelope. "I want you and all men (that I know) to reform."