"It's no use our indulging in abstract discussions. I've no doubt you'll be able to clothe charming sentiments in the very best language. I know how clever you are." "Thanks very much." "But what's the use, since my mind's made up that I won't marry you while I'm a pauper?" "Acting on my mother's instructions." "If you like to put it that way; though I wouldn't even if your mother hadn't interposed; if I'd thought I was going to be a pauper I'd never have said I would." "Although you love me?" "Because I love you." "Nora! You're going to make a mess of things." "I'm going to try not to make a mess of things." "You're starting the wrong way." "Listen. I don't think you've behaved well about that envelope my father sent you." "Do you imagine that I think I have? do I look it? How my countenance belies me!" "There appear to have been some letters of mine in that suit-case; I didn't think you'd have left my letters lying about." "Nora!" "You seem to have left the suit-case lying about, so I suppose you left my letters too." "Of all the--of all the----! Well, I deserve it." "I think you do. When you find that envelope you can come and show me what is in it; until then--good-bye." "Do you mean that?" "I hope that I am like my father in not saying what I don't mean; I do mean it." "I'll find that envelope!" "And I hope you'll find my letters." "I'll find them too." "I hope there was nothing in them very--very amusing; it isn't nice to feel that strangers are reading one's--one's private letters." "You rub it in." "That's not my intention; would you like to feel that people you know nothing about were reading some of the letters you wrote to me?' "I know what you mean; I'll find the letters and the envelope, and the suit-case; and if any one has opened that suit-case I'll--I'll make them smart." "Good-bye." Already she was moving off; he exclaimed--"Like that! Nora! won't you even give me your hand?" She stopped, and turned; with something on her face which, in his eyes, made her very beautiful. "If you'll promise only to take my hand." "I promise; I'll take only what you're willing to give." They stood, for some seconds, hand in hand, eyes looking into eyes, as if they found it difficult to speak. Then he said, "Don't suppose I don't think you're right; I know you're doing this for me, and I know you're always right. This good-bye is only the prelude to a time of waiting, and hope, and work. First of all I'll find that envelope, then if there's nothing in it to show that you're a millionaire, I'm going to work and be a millionaire--I'll win you in my own way. I'm not afraid of waiting; you'll not marry any one but me." "I don't think I shall." "I don't think you will either." "There's something I'd like to ask, if you won't misunderstand." "I'll not misunderstand." "I'd like to kiss you before I go, only--I don't want you to kiss me." "Nora!"