One
man may lead a horse to water but a hundred can't make him drink.
It's just the same with an obstinate pig-headed young woman."
At three o'clock Mr. Twentyman came and was at once desired to go
up to Mary who was waiting for him in the drawing-room. Mrs.
Masters smiled and was gracious as she spoke to him, having for the
moment wreathed herself in good humour so that he might go to his
wooing in better spirit. He had learned his lesson by heart as
nearly as he was able and began to recite it as soon as he had
closed the door. "So you're going to Cheltenham on Thursday?" he
said.
"Yes, Mr. Twentyman."
"I hope you'll enjoy your visit there. I remember Lady Ushant
myself very well. I don't suppose she will remember me, but you can
give her my compliments."
"I certainly will do that."
"And now, Mary, what have you got to say to me?" He looked for a
moment as though he expected she would say what she had to say at
once,--without further question from him; but he knew that it could
not be so and he had prepared his lesson further than that. "I
think you must believe that I really do love you with all my
heart."
"I know that you are very good to me, Mr. Twentyman."
"I don't say anything about being good; but I'm true:--that I am.
I'd take you for my wife tomorrow if you hadn't a friend in the
world, just for downright love.
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