"No, that is impossible. All I lay claim to is that I was fortunate enough to be able to lend you the works of Ruskin and Marie Corelli." "That reminds me that I must return you the 'Master Christian.'" "Please don't hurry over it. I think it's a book worth pondering over; quite unlike the average trashy novel." "I haven't had much time for reading lately." "Ah, Miss Clibborn, I understand! I'm afraid you've been very much upset. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was; but I felt it would be perhaps indelicate." "It is very kind of you to think of me." "Besides, I must confess that I cannot bring myself to be very sorry. It's an ill wind that blows nobody good." "I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Mr. Dryland." "Miss Clibborn, I have come here to-day to converse with you on a matter which I venture to think of some importance. At least, it is to me. I will not beat about the bush. In these matters it is always best, I believe, to come straight to the point." The curate cleared his throat, and assumed his best clerical manner. "Miss Clibborn, I have the honour to solemnly ask you for your hand." "Oh!" Mary blushed scarlet, and her heart went pit-a-pat in the most alarming fashion. "I think I should tell you that I am thirty-three years of age. I have some private means, small, but sufficient, with my income and economy, to support a wife. My father was for over a quarter of a century vicar of Easterham." Mary by this time had recovered herself. "I feel very much honoured by your proposal, Mr. Dryland. And no one can be more convinced than I of my unworthiness. But I'm afraid I must refuse." "I don't press for an immediate answer, Miss Clibborn. I know at first blush it must surprise you that I should come forward with an offer so soon after the rupture of your engagement with Captain Parsons. But if you examine the matter closely, you will see that it is less surprising than it seems. While you were engaged to Captain Parsons it was my duty to stifle my feelings; but now I cannot. Indeed, I have not the right to conceal from you that for a long time they have been of the tenderest description." "I feel very much flattered." "Not at all," reassuringly answered Mr. Dryland. "I can honestly say that you are deserving of the very highest--er--admiration and esteem. Miss Clibborn, I have loved you in secret almost ever since I came to the parish. The moment I saw you I felt an affinity between us. Our tastes are so similar; we both understand Art and Literature. When you played to me the divine melodies of Mendelssohn, when I read to you the melodious verses of Lord Tennyson, I felt that my happiness in life would be a union with you." "I'm afraid I can never be unfaithful to my old love." "Perhaps I'm a little previous?" "No; time can make no possible difference. I'm very grateful to you."