"I hope I shall never be reduced to do so desperate a deed; twenty such men would be a formidable phalanx—more than I could stand at all," said Miss Millar, arching her eye-brows and apparently looking on the point of laughing again.
He looked suspiciously at her, and said, after considering her countenance a moment,
"I have not made more than the first couplet of my address to Miss Emma Watson, do you think you can help me?"
"Let us hear your effusion—we will see what we can do," replied Annie.
"Emma, elegant, enchanting,
Merry maiden, much is wanting—"
"But, then, I don't know what to say next—what do you think is wanting?" said Mr. Alfred in the most earnest tone possible.
"I should finish it this way," suggested Annie.
"My melodious muse to make
All I wish it for thy sake."