In a word, I have brought you here today to discuss your prospective marriage, and nothing else.

That astonishes you, eh?
Well, it's the truth, as I shall proceed to make clear.

There's a Mr.Fred Elkin, for instance--" Doris uttered a little laugh of dismay.

Winter's emphatic words had astounded her, but the horse-dealer's name acted as comic relief.
"I can't bear the man," she protested.
"I have no doubt.

But you ought to know that he is loudly proclaiming his determination to marry you before the year is out." The girl's face reddened again, and her eyes sparkled.
"I wouldn't marry him if he were a peer of the realm," she said indignantly.
"Quite so.