The first word which she heard distinctly bound her to the spot and forced her to listen.
'No, I shan't put it off.' It was Alice speaking.

'I know what comes of that kind of thing.

I am old enough to be my own mistress.' 'You are not twenty-one,' replied Richard in an annoyed voice.

'I shall do everything I can to put it off till you are of age.

Rodman is a good enough fellow in his place; but it isn't hard to see why he's talked you over in this way.' 'He hasn't talked me over!' cried Alice, passionately.