"Wait--listen," he said, in a voice half choked with tenderness.

"Look here, Lalage: the honest truth is that I shall be ruined if I marry you openly.

Let us be married quietly, and keep it dark until I am more independent." "Married! Catch me at it--if you can.

No, dear boy, I am very fond of you, and you are one of the right sort to make me the offer; but I wont let you put a collar round _my_ neck.

Matrimony is all very fine for women who have no better way of supporting themselves, but it wouldnt suit me.