"Seriously, though, Mr. Fenwick, do you not think Mary Lester a very sweet girl?"
"Certainly I do."
"And just such a one as you could love?"
"Any one, it seems to me, might love Mary Lester; but then, it is just as apparent that she could not love any one who might chance to offer."
"Of course not. And I should be very sorry to think that she could. But of one thing I am certain, she cannot look upon you with unfavourable eyes."
"Mrs. Martindale!"
"I am in earnest, Mr. Fenwick."
"What reason have you for thinking so?"
"Very good reason. I had my eyes on you both at Mrs. Allenson's party, and I saw as plain as could be that Mary was deeply interested. Since then, I have met her, and observed her eye brighten and her cheek kindle at the mention of your name. Mr. Fenwick, she is a prize well worth winning, and may be yours."
"Are you, then, really serious?" the young man now said, his tone and manner changing.