"'Did you know that Dan Pettigrew was in love with you?' I put it
straight from the shoulder. 'He wouldn't dare tell ye, but you
ought to know it. You are regarded as a kind of a queen here, an'
it's customary for queens to be approached by ambassadors.'

"Her face lighted up.

"'In love with me?' she whispered. 'Why, Mr. Potter, I never
dreamed of such a thing. Are you sure? How do you know? I
thought he felt above me.'

"'An' he thought you felt above him,' I says.

"'How absurd! how unfortunate!' she whispered. 'I couldn't marry
him now if he asked me. This thing has gone too far. I wouldn't
treat any man that way.'

"'You are engaged to Alexander, are you?' I says.

"'Well, there is a sort of understanding, and I think we are to be
married if--if--'

"She paused, and tears came to her eyes again.

"'You are thinking o' the money,' says I.

"'I am thinking o' the money,' says she. 'It has been promised to
him. He will expect it.'