"Will you bring about this meeting?" he asks.
"On one condition, John."
"Well"—hesitatingly—"name it."
"That you marry me," is the prompt reply, and even Pauline, actress by nature and vocation as she is, turns a trifle rosy under his gaze, though not abashed.
"That is a sudden ultimatum. Kindly tell me when you would like this little affair to come off?" he asks, lightly.
"Now—before I take you to the one you have long sought."
"Pardon me; I can hardly collect my wits. You see I had not dreamed of marrying for years. It is very, very sudden."
"Oh! I'll give you time to reflect upon it, John. I wouldn't hurry up such grave business."
"I don't believe I need much time. Don't you think it is a rather strange thing to demand payment before you deliver the goods?"
"If you gave me your word, John, I would wait until I had carried out my word."