I asked her to be more than our housekeeper--to be my wife.

I am naturally stupid," said the poor simple gentleman; "whenever I try to do anything clever I always fail.

She was very forbearing with me at first; she said No, but she said it considerately, as if she felt for me.
I presumed on her kindness, like a fool; I couldn't help it, David, I was so fond of her.

I pressed her to say why she refused me.

I was mad enough to ask if there was some other man whom she preferred.