"Why do you not make arrangements for our approaching marriage? It is
surely time you were about it."

"Oh, no hurry yet," he replied. "There is plenty of time."

"Plenty of time! Yes, if all that need be done, is to call the minister,
and have the ceremony performed! But it strikes me this is _not_ all.
However, what day have you fixed upon as your choice for the wedding
occasion?"

"I can't say as I have thought upon any day in particular; in fact, the
subject had so far escaped my mind, that I had nearly forgotten it
entirely."

"A devoted lover, truly! What am I to think of such unmerited coldness?"
and she burst into tears.

"Come, Eliza, let us understand each other, and be friends."

"Friends! Is that all?"

"Lovers, then."

"Husband and wife, you mean."

"Lovers only; as we have been."

"Am I to understand you as saying you will not fulfill your written promise
of making me your lawful wife?"