"By Jove, Sis, Bob asks you to marry him!"
In prize-ring parlance, Jimmy had "feinted" his opponent into a lead, then taken prompt advantage to "counter."
Lorelei awoke to her surroundings with a start, sensing the sudden gravity that had fallen upon her three companions.
"What—?"
Lilas nodded and smiled at the bewildered lover. "That's the way to put it over, Bob—before witnesses."
"Don't joke about such things," cried Lorelei, sharply.
"Joke? Who's joking?" Jim was indignant and glanced appealingly at Bob.
"You meant it, didn't you?"
"Sure. No joking matter," Bob declared, vaguely.
"I was just saying that this is no life for a fellow to lead—batting 'round the way I do; then Jim said—I mean I said—I needed a wife, a beautiful wife. I never saw a girl beautiful enough to suit me before, and he said—"
Jim's relief came as an explosion.