"'It is not for our good in ease to rest; Man, like to cassia, when bruised is best.'" "I will never love you, nor marry you. Is not that enough?" "Too much--more than I could bear, if I believed it. But you are very young, Grace. I am often relieved to remember that you are too young to know your own mind." She was going to deny it indignantly; but stopped, vividly conscious that he had come near the mark. Therefore sadness followed anger in her face and cooled her cheek. "I do most seriously believe that before next year you will find me a continual joy," declared Peter. "'Tis high time the world should see what a husband awaits the making in me. Too long I've pined alone. "'Life's a short summer--man a flower, He dies--alas! how soon he dies.'" "'He lives--alas! how long he lives!' So has many an unhappy wife breathed to her soul; and so should I." "You might, indeed, if, like certain foolish but authentic virgins, you married out of your status. Now John Lee----" "Have done, or I'll never speak to you more!" cried Grace passionately. "I had rather a thousand times marry John Lee than you; and if I please, I will." "Frankly, my poppet, you are something too much of a child to marry anybody yet. 'Winter and wedlock tame maids and beasts.' A true West Country proverb that. But I'd be your lover still, not your master. Vile word! In sober honesty, however, you can be very provoking, mistress." "Never less than now. Walk quicker and save your breath; more snow is coming." The transient gleam of sun that had drawn them out on to the Moor departed, and snow began to fall again. "I've wanted that to happen," said Mr. Norcot. "Now you shall hear a charming thing--not my own, I regret to say, but from Petronius Afranius--translated by one Smart. For its perfection you must make a snowball and hurl it at me." "I'm in no mood for fooling." "I beg; I implore. 'Twill be worth your pains." She bent and picked up some snow. "Don't miss my manly bosom, or you'll spoil all," he said. "There--I would it could cool your heart and freeze every thought of me out of your head!" Grace flung the snow, and, letting it melt upon his coat, Mr. Norcot struck an attitude while he recited another rhyme. His eyes were full of the snow light and seemed harder and brighter than usual as he gazed at her. "'When, wanton fair, the snowy orb you throw, I feel a fire before unknown in snow, E'en coldest ice I find has pow'r to warm My breast, when flung by Gracie's lovely arm!'" He swept off his hat and bowed; whereon she laughed outright. "You should have been a player, for you are a most unreal man--for ever feigning to be something else than you are." "Then marry me and find the kernel in the nut." "How can I marry one I do not know?" "Even such you should choose if you are wise; for the following sufficient reasons."