"Do you think you can secure her?"
"Easily enough. But then I must get her away as often as possible from that old Cerberus of an aunt. I didn't like her looks at all."
"She's suspicious."
"That's clear. Well, she must be wide awake if I commence playing against her in real earnest. I can win any girl's affections that I choose."
"You have a pretty fair conceit of yourself, I see."
"I wouldn't give a cent for a man that hadn't. The fact is, Perkins, these girls have but one end in view, and that is to get married. They know that they have to wait to be asked, and, trembling in fear lest they shall not get another offer, they are always ready to jump eagerly at the first."
"Pretty true, I believe. But, Smith, don't you think Margaretta quite a fair specimen of a girl?"
"Oh, yes. And I have no doubt that I shall love her well enough, if she don't attempt to put on airs, and throw up to me that she was rich, and I poor. I'll never stand that."
"She'll not be so foolish, I presume."
"She'd better not, I can tell her, if she doesn't wish to get into hot water." And the young man laughed at his own half-in-earnest jesting.