Then he said that he had spoken as if he wasn't serious. He hoped that I would forgive him if he had made a mistake in doing this. Because for him this was a very serious and very important moment. He really did look serious when he was saying it, and I couldn't help feeling a bit serious too. I know, Mina, you will think me a horrible flirt - but I couldn't help feeling a bit proud and happy that I was getting two proposals of marriage in one day.

And then, before I could say a word he began to speak in a very seriously romantic way. He truly laid his heart and soul at my feet. He looked so earnest about it. Never again will I think that, just because a man jokes sometimes, he must always be playful and never mean what he says. But I suppose he saw something in my face which made him stop. Suddenly he began to speak with real, manly emotion. I could have loved him just for that - if my heart had been free.

'Lucy, I know that you are an honest-hearted girl. Otherwise I wouldn't be here speaking to you as I am doing. I believe that you are honest and true, right through your soul. Tell me, like one good fellow to another, is there anyone else that you care for? And if there is I'll never trouble you ever again. But if you will let me, I will be a very faithful friend.'