did so, and the yoimg lady went on without giving 
him time to speak : 

" Do you know that marriage is a very serious tiling ? " 

" I believe nobody doubts it," he answered. " Least of all 
those who have tried it." 

" Such a very serious  that it would not be well to be 
frightened into it," she continued, gravely. " I djo not mean 
that you have any intention of frightening me," she added, 
quickly, as even in the moonlight she saw his lips compress 
themselves in a fashion she knew well, " but that I must be quite 
sure I do not consent to marry you because I am afraid of you." 

" Are you afraid of me ? " asked he, not angrily, but wistfulh% 

" Yes," answered she, frankly. " Who is not ? Everybody 
stands more or less in wordnetfear of you ; and yet," added she, with 
a sudden, upward look, " everybody likes you." 

*' Do i/ou f " said he, stung and yet soothed,  and yet 
pleased, in a manner which was not new to him. 

" I ! " answered she, smilino^. " Do vou not know that I 
do? I like you very much : I have liked