"Don't you assume a good deal, Mr. Collins, when you imply that I
have any desire to master you?"
"Not a bit," he assured her cheerfully. "Every woman wants to
boss the man she's going to marry, but if she finds she can't
she's glad of it, because then she knows she's got a man."
"You are quite sure I am going to marry you?" she asked
gently--too gently, he thought.
"I'm only reasonably sure," he informed her. "You see, I can't
tell for certain whether your pride or your good sense is the
stronger."
She caught a detached glimpse of the situation, and it made for
laughter.
"That's right, I want you should enjoy it," he said placidly.
"I do. It's the most absurd proposal--I suppose you call it a
proposal--that ever I heard."
"I expect you've heard a good many in your time.
"We'll not discuss that, if you please."
"I AM more interested in this one," he agreed.
"Isn't it about time to begin on Tucson?"
"Not to-day, ma'am. There are going to be a lot of to-morrows for
you and me, and Tucson will have to wait till then."
"Didn't I give you an answer last week?"
"You did, but I didn't take it.
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