"don’t be angry; she is a wilful, mad, spoilt girl. if she likes a person she will pitch into him, and chaff him. i used to be just such another. but for all that you needn’t flatter yourself, my boy; she is not for you. i don’t believe it, and it is not to be. i tell you so at once, so that you may take proper precautions. now, i want to hear you swear that you are not married to that woman?"