The Young Man stopped abruptly , and looked at the Girl . She bent forward with shining eyes , and touched his hand . `` You are splendid , '' she said softly . `` If he thought so -- but no -- I am sure he does n't . He 's just coming out here like a martyr going to the stake . He knows he will be expected to propose to me when he gets here . And he knows that I know it too . And he knows and I know that I will be expected to say my very prettiest ` yes . ' '' `` But are you going to say it ? '' asked the Young Man anxiously . The Girl leaned forward . `` No . That is my secret . I am going to say a most emphatic ` no . ' '' `` But wo n't your family make an awful row ? '' `` Of course . But I rather enjoy a row now and then . It stirs up one 's grey matter so nicely . I came out here this afternoon and thought the whole affair over from beginning to end . And I have determined to say ` no . ' ''
`` Oh , I would n't make it so irreconcilable as that , '' said the Young XXXXX lightly .
Girl Man affair afternoon course eyes family matter secret stake