CHAPTER XXIV 331
" Hush , sir ! You don ' t talk very wisely just now ; any more than those gentlemen acted very wisely . However , had they been married , they would no doubt by their severity as husbands have made up for their softness as suitors ; and so will you , I fear . I wonder how you will answer me a year hence , should I ask a favour it does not suit your convenience or pleasure to grant ."
" Ask me something now , Jane , -- the least thing : I desire to be entreated -- " " Indeed I will , sir ; I have my petition all ready ."
" Speak ! But if you look up and smile with that countenance , I shall swear concession before I know to what , and that will make a fool of me ."
" Not at all , sir ; I ask only this : don ' t send for the jewels , and don ' t crown me with roses : you might as well put a border of gold lace round that plain pocket handkerchief you have there ."
" I might as well ' gild refined gold .' I know it : your request is granted then -- for the time . I will remand the order I despatched to my banker . But you have not yet asked for anything ; you have prayed a gift to be withdrawn : try again ."
" Well then , sir , have the goodness to gratify my curiosity , which is much piqued on one point ."
He looked disturbed . " What ? what ?" he said hastily . " Curiosity is a dangerous petition : it is well I have not taken a vow to accord every request -- "
" But there can be no danger in complying with this , sir ."
" Utter it , Jane : but I wish that instead of a mere inquiry into , perhaps , a secret , it was a wish for half my estate ."