I entreat you to listen to it seriously." Marian looked as grave as she could.

"I confess that in some respects I do not understand you; and before you enter upon another London season, through which I cannot be at your side, I would obtain from you some assurance of the nature of your regard for me.

I do not wish to harass you with jealous importunity.

You have given me the most unequivocal tokens of a feeling different from that which inspires the ordinary intercourse of a lady and gentleman in society; but of late it has seemed to me that you maintain as little reserve toward other men as toward me.

I am not thinking of Marmaduke: he is your cousin.