"Quite as long," repeated Dick, solemnly. "I declare, I have been so fond of you all my life, Nan, that I have been the happiest fellow in the world. Now, look here; just say after me, 'Dick, I promise on my word and honor to marry you.'" Nan repeated the words, and then she paused in affright. "But your father!" she gasped,--"and the dressmaking! Oh, Dick! what have you made me say? You have startled me into forgetting everything. Oh, dear! oh, dear! what shall I do?" continued Nan, in the most innocent way. "We shall be engaged all our lives, for he will never allow you to marry me. Dick, dear Dick, please let me off! I never meant to give in like this." "Never mind what you meant to do," returned Dick, with the utmost gravity: "the thing is, you have done it. On your word and honor, Nan, remember. Now we are engaged." "Oh, but Dick, please don't take such advantage of me, just because I said--or, at least, you said--I was fond of you. What will mother say? She will be so dreadfully shocked; and it is so cruel to your father. I will be engaged to you in a way. I will promise--I will vow, if you will--never to marry any one else." "I should think not," interrupted Dick, fiercely. "I would murder the fellow, whoever he was!" and in spite of himself his thought reverted to the fair beard and handsome face of the young clergyman. Nan saw from his obstinate face that her eloquence was all wasted; but she made one more attempt, blushing like a rose: "I will even promise to marry you, if your father gives his consent. You know, Dick, I would never go against him." "Nor I. You ought to know me better, Nan, than to think I should act shabbily and leave the dear old fellow in the dark." "Then you will set me free," marvelling a little over her lover's good sense and filial submission. "As free as an engagement permits. Why, what do you mean, Nan? Have I not just told you we are engaged for good and all? Do you suppose I do not mean to tell my father so on the first opportunity? There he comes! bless the man, I knew he would follow me! Now you shall see how I can stick up for the girl I love." But Dick thought it better to release the hand he had been holding all this time. There are certain moments in life when one is in too exalted a mood to feel the usual sensations that circumstances might warrant. At another time Nan would have been shocked at the condition of her work-room, being a tidy little soul, and thrifty as to pins and other odds and ends; and the thought of Mr. Mayne coming upon them unexpectedly would have frightened her out of her senses.