Page:The New Monthly Magazine - Volume 095.djvu/270

Rh

No.

Link. You don't understand me, I'm afraid?

Sophia. No.

Link. By no manner of means; that's not the word they make. You don't seem to understand me yet?

Sophia. No.

Link. Do you seriously mean to assert that the letters y— e—s spell no f

Sophia (sneeringly). No.

Link. Ah, very well; you do understand spelling, then, I see. But how am I to understand you? You are silent. Did you mean no as an answer to my question? Will you not have me?

Sophia. No.

Link. On no account?

Sophia. No.

Link. Really, this is very delightful. But pray, give me some reason—some cause for your refusal?

Sophia (decidedly). No.

Link. You speak as if my feelings were of no consequence. I don't know why you should treat me in this way. Please, miss, answer me once for all. Do—you—not—like me?

Sophia. No—no—no—no—no! (She runs into her apartment.)

Link. The deuce take the girl! But she's an idiot, a downright idiot. I shall waste ho more words upon her.

When the uncle enters, Link complains to him of his niece's conduct; and old Gamstrup, suspecting that Hammer has something to do with it, and seeing him approaching, orders Sophia to answer nothing but no to him, and retires with Link to listen. Hammer comes in, and fancying Sophia alone, addresses her:

Now I can speak out openly. May I dare to hope that we understand each other? That you know my sentiments, 1 cannot doubt. But I, Sophia, can I have misunderstood yours?

Sophia (tenderly). No.

Hammer. Oh, then I am the happiest fellow on earth! You love no one else?

Sophia. No.