Dolly had never
been known to be in earnest in anything;--but now he was in very
truth in love. He had agreed to be Popplecourt's companion at
Custins because he had heard that Miss Boncassen would be there.
He had thought over the matter with more consideration than he had
ever before given to any subject. He had gone so far as to see his
own man of business, with a view of ascertaining what settlements
he could make and what income he might be able to spend. He had
told himself over and over again that he was not the 'sort of
fellow' that ought to marry; but it was all of no avail. He
confessed to himself that he was completely 'bowled over',--
'knocked off his pins'!
'Is a fellow to have no chance?' he said to Miss Boncassen at
Custins.
'If I understand what a fellow means, I am afraid not.'
'No man alive was ever more earnest than I am.'
'Well, Mr Longstaff; I do not suppose that you have been trying to
take me in all this time.'
'I hope you do not think ill of me.'
'I may think well of a great many gentlemen without wishing to
marry them.
Pages:
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637
638
639
640
641