Burke?"
"Not much," said he; "I despise politics as much as I cherish the little
rosy god; but really, Miss Clinton, I feel anxious to know your opinions
on marriage, and you have not stated them. Do you not think the nuptial
state the happiest?"
"It's a subject I feel no inclination whatsoever to discuss, Mr. Burke;
it is a subject which, personally speaking, has never occupied from me
one moment's thought; and, having said so much, I trust you will have
the goodness to select some other topic for conversation."
"But I am so circumstanced, just now, Miss Clinton, that I cannot really
change it. The truth is, that I have felt very much attached to you for
some time past--upon my word and honor I have: it's a fact, I assure
you, Miss Clinton; and I now beg to make you a tender of myself
and--and--of all I am possessed of. I am a most ardent admirer of yours;
and the upmost extent of my ambition is to become an accepted one. Do
then, my dear Miss Clinton, allow me the charming privilege--pray, do."
"What will be the consequence if I do not?" she replied, smiling.
"Upon my word and honor, I shall go nearly distracted, and get quite
melancholy; my happiness depends upon you, Miss Clinton; you are a very
delightful girl, quite a _nonpareil_, and I trust you will treat me with
kindness and consideration.
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