'I was not thinking of it,' said the major.

'Poor, dear girl! It is a great trial for her. Do you wish me to give
her any message, Major Grantly?'

The moment had now come in which he must say that which he had come to
say. The little woman waited for an answer, and as he was there, within
her power as it were, he must speak. I fear that what he said will not
be approved by any strong-minded person. I fear that our lover will
henceforth be considered by such a one as being a weak, wishy-washy man,
who had hardly any mind of his own to speak of--that he was a man of no
account, as the poor people say. 'Miss Prettyman, what message ought I
to give her?'

'Nay, Major Grantly, how can I tell you that? How can I put words into
your mouth?'

'It isn't the words,' he said; 'but the feelings.'

'And how can I tell the feelings in your heart?'

'Oh, as for that, I know what my feelings are. I do love her with all
my heart;--I do, indeed. A fortnight ago I was only thinking whether she
would accept me, and whether she would mind having Edith to take care
of.'

'She is very fond of Edith--very fond indeed.'

'Is she?' said the major, more distracted than ever. Why should he not