A woman really in love and sure of her lover delights in toying with a
sort of coquetry of love; as if it pleased her to try to win over again
that the winning of which gave so exquisite a pleasure. And perhaps

The coquetry of love is the surest test of an unquestionable love. For

When possession can afford to play at pursuit, this but proves possession
complete. Sometimes

An assumed love will resort to the pretty tricks of a real one, in order
to assure its object--or to re-assure itself.

Surrender after a protracted siege has its advantages. At all events
both M and N can look back to more demi-semi happy incidents when the
courtship has been long.

Happy that couple can laugh over the incidents of courtship afterwards.
'T is a portent of impending ill if they cannot.

* * *

Half-heartedness in courtship is not only suicidal, it is murderous. On
the other hand, remember that

In courtship there are various and varying stages. But there is always
the home-gallop. Remember, too, that

What is suitable at one stage of courtship is ruinous at another. And

It is only the old whip who knows when to push the pace: