'Because she would want her separate purse and separate property, and it would be her house, and her horses and carriage, her coachman, and so on. Oh no—nothing of that for me. I will be master of my own establishment.'
'What a savage you are! I declare it is as refreshing to hear you talk as it would be to visit a tribe of Indians.'
'You are complimentary.'
'You see I do you justice, though we are enemies. But tell me now that you have been introduced to me, do I seem at all dangerous?'
Hiram Meeker's countenance changed from an expression of pleasant badinage to one of sentimental interest, while he gazed abstractedly in the young lady's face, without making any reply.
Arabella's heart beat violently, she scarce knew why.
'You do not answer,' she said.
'I cannot tell,' said Hiram, dreamily; then, starting, as if from a revery, he said, in his former tone, 'Oh, your sex are all dangerous; only there are degrees.'
'I see you are not disposed to commit yourself. I will not urge you. But do you think you will be afraid to waltz with me at the next party?'
'It was the introduction I objected to, not the waltz.'