"Speak not thus lightly," she said. "'Tis a grave matter."
"Before you mention it, then, let me ask now you came to throw yourself away upon that detestable Roundhead? You must be heartily sick of him already."
"If you persist in talking thus you will frighten me away, and I shall leave unsaid what I have to tell you—and it is very important."
"Nay, by all that is bewitching, I swear you shall not go," he cried, catching her hand.
"Be serious, if you can, for a single instant, and listen to me."
"Tell me you are resolved to abandon Urso, and I will be as serious as you please."
"You put everything out of my head by your trifling talk. How very different you are from Urso, to be sure! He is always grave."
"Yes, I warrant me you rarely catch a smile on his sour visage. But I hope there are few points of resemblance between him and me. Again I ask, how could you marry such a man?"
"'Twas all my grandam's doing," she sighed.
"And you have bitterly repented of the foolish step ever since, I'll be sworn. Confess, and I'll forgive you, though, I own, the effort will be difficult."