"Oh, don't mind. I'd much rather have a good answer six months hence
than a bad one to-day."
"But it's very probable that even six months hence I shouldn't be
able to give you one that you'd think good."
"Why not, since you really like me?"
"Ah, you must never doubt that," said Isabel.
"Well then, I don't see what more you ask!"
"It's not what I ask; it's what I can give. I don't think I should
suit you; I really don't think I should."
"You needn't worry about that. That's my affair. You needn't be a
better royalist than the king."
"It's not only that," said Isabel; "but I'm not sure I wish to marry
any one."
"Very likely you don't. I've no doubt a great many women begin
that way," said his lordship, who, be it averred, did not in the least
believe in the axiom he thus beguiled his anxiety by uttering. "But
they're frequently persuaded."
"Ah, that's because they want to be!" And Isabel lightly laughed.
Her suitor's countenance fell, and he looked at her for a while in
silence. "I'm afraid it's my being an Englishman that makes you
hesitate," he said presently. "I know your uncle thinks you ought to
marry in your own country.
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