Then he said that he had spoken in a light manner. He hoped that I would forgive him if he had made a mistake in doing this on so grave, so very important an occasion. 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 sort of exultation that he was Proposal Number Two in one day.

And then, my dear, before I could say a word he began pouring out a real torrent of love-making. He truly laid his heart and soul at my feet. He looked so earnest about it that I shall never again think that just because a man is sometimes joking he must always be playful and never sincere. I suppose he saw something in my face which made him stop. For he suddenly said with a sort of manly fervour that I could have loved him for - if my heart had been free.

'Lucy, I know that you are an honest-hearted girl. I should not be here speaking to you as I am doing if I did not 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.'

Vocabulary:

Grave: Deadly serious
Flirt: Someone who plays at being attracted to someone else
Exultation: Joyful happiness
Torrent: A fast-moving stream
Love-making: Here it means 'romantic talk'
Earnest: Sincere, meaning what one says
Fervour: Strong emotion
Faithful: Reliable, keeping promises