'Twould be simply annoying her to ask her again.

Ah, Charles, you threw a prize away when you let her slip five years ago.' 'I did--I did,' said Darton.
He returned from that auction with a new set of feelings in play.

He had certainly made a surprising mistake in thinking Johns his successful rival.

It really seemed as if he might hope for Sally after all.
This time, being rather pressed by business, Darton had recourse to pen- and-ink, and wrote her as manly and straightforward a proposal as any woman could wish to receive.

The reply came promptly:- 'DEAR MR.