I ca n't say that such is my opinion . I do n't greatly care for that blonde , babyish style of loveliness -- I prefer Agnes Campion . Did you notice her -- the tall , dark girl with the ropes of hair and a sort of crimson , velvety bloom on her face , who took honours in philosophy ? '' `` I DID notice her , '' said David emphatically , darting a keen side glance at his friend . `` I noticed her most particularly and critically -- for someone whispered her name behind me and coupled it with the exceedingly interesting information that Miss Campion was supposed to be the future Mrs. Eric Marshall . Whereupon I stared at her with all my eyes . '' `` There is no truth in that report , '' said Eric in a tone of annoyance . `` Agnes and I are the best of friends and nothing more . I like and admire her more than any woman I know ; but if the future Mrs. Eric Marshall exists in the flesh I have n't met her yet . I have n't even started out to look for her -- and do n't intend to for some years to come . I have something else to think of , '' he concluded , in a tone of contempt , for which anyone might have known he would be punished sometime if Cupid were not deaf as well as blind . `` You 'll meet the lady of the future some day , '' said David dryly . `` And in spite of your scorn I venture to predict that if fate does n't bring her before long you 'll very soon start out to look for her . A word of advice , oh , son of your mother . When you go courting take your common sense with you . '' `` Do you think I shall be likely to leave it behind ? '' asked Eric amusedly . `` Well , I mistrust you , '' said David , sagely wagging his head . `` The Lowland Scotch part of you is all right , but there 's a Celtic streak in you , from that little Highland grandmother of yours , and when a man has that there 's never any knowing where it will break out , or what dance it will lead him , especially when it comes to this love-making business . You are just as likely as not to lose your head over some little fool or shrew for the sake of her outward favour and make yourself miserable for life .
When you pick you a wife please remember that I shall reserve the right XXXXX pass a candid opinion on her . ''
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