‘Anything serious?’

’Very serious to me.  I may say so serious that nothing in my own life can approach it in importance.’  He had unconsciously assumed that look, which his friend so thoroughly understood, indicating his resolve to hold to what he believed to be his own, and to fight if fighting be necessary.  Montague knew him well, and became half aware that he had done something, he knew not what, militating against this serious resolve of his friend.  He looked up, but said nothing.  ’I have offered my hand in marriage to my cousin Henrietta,’ said Roger, very gravely.

‘Miss Carbury?’

’Yes; to Henrietta Carbury.  She has not accepted it.  She has refused me twice.  But I still have hopes of success.  Perhaps I have no right to hope...