I had heard Connie speak of you , and I determined to make your acquaintance . '' When we reached the lane I held out my hand for the hymnal . `` You must n't come any further , Mr. Shelmardine , '' I said hurriedly . `` Aunt -- Aunt might see you . '' He took my hand and held it , looking at me seriously . `` Suppose I were to walk up to the cottage tomorrow and ask for you ? '' I gasped . He looked so capable of doing anything he took it into his head to do . `` Oh , you would n't , '' I said piteously . `` Aunt Martha would -- you are not in earnest . '' `` I suppose not , '' he said regretfully . `` Of course I would not do anything that would cause you unpleasantness . But this must not -- shall not be our last meeting . '' `` Aunt will not let me come to church again , '' I said . `` Does she ever take a nap in the afternoon ? '' he queried . I wriggled my parasol about in the dust uneasily . `` Sometimes . '' `` I shall be at the old boat tomorrow afternoon at two-thirty , '' he said . I pulled my hand away .
`` I could n't -- you know I could n't , '' I cried -- and then I blushed XXXXX my ears .
Connie Martha Shelmardine at for hymnal in into of to