Perhaps a little self-contained." "She has no need to rely upon her conversation." I observed.
"I don't know.

The fact is----" "What is the fact ?" I asked softly.

"After all that has passed I think I may claim your confidence, Mr.Mafferton." I had some difficulty afterwards in justifying this, but it seemed entirely appropriate at the time.
"The fact is, that up to three weeks ago I believed Miss Portheris to be the incarnation of so many unassuming virtues and personal charms that I was almost ready to make a fresh bid for domestic happiness in her society.

I have for some time wished to marry----" "I know," I said sympathetically.
"But during the last three weeks I have become a little uncertain." "There shouldn't be the _slightest_ uncertainty," I observed.
"Marriage in England is such a permanent institution." "I have known it to last for years even in the United States," I sighed.
"And it is a serious responsibility to undertake to reciprocate in full the devotion of an attached wife." "I fancy Isabel is a person of strong affections," I said; "one notices it with her mother.

And any one who could dote on Mrs.Portheris would certainly----" "I fear so," said Mr.Mafferton.
"I understand," I continued, "why you hesitate.