She made no protest, and then she turned suddenly and laid her closed fan upon his arm.

"I am very glad you came in," she said.

"I want to ask you a favor.

I wanted to do so on Thursday, at my mother-in-law's ball, but you would give me no chance.
You were in such very good spirits that I thought you might grant my little favor then; not that you look particularly doleful now.

It is something you must promise me; now is the time to take you; after you are married you will be good for nothing.