And I have made a solemn vow not to be one of them"-- (query, a science or a naughty girl)--"making mischief between father and son." "No more you shall, dear," said Walter.

"Leave it to me.

We must be patient, and all will come right." "Oh, I'll be true to you, dear, if that is all," said Mary.
"And if you would not mind just temporizing a little, for my sake, who love you ?" "Temporize!" said Mary, eagerly.

"With all my heart.

I'll temporize till we are all dead and buried." "Oh, that will be too long for me," said Walter.
"Oh, never do things by halves," said the ready girl.
If his tongue had been as prompt as hers, he might have said that "temporizing" was doing things by halves; but he let her have the last word.