Somehow he had my hands in his . How did he ever get them ? I was sure I had them safely tucked out of harm 's way behind me . `` You know , Kitty , that I love you . I am a poor man -- perhaps I may never be anything else -- and this may seem to you very presumptuous . But I can not let you go like this . Will you be my wife , dear ? '' Was n't it horribly straightforward and direct ? So like Jack ! I tried to pull my hands away , but he held them fast . There was nothing to do but answer him . That `` no '' I had determined to say must be said , but , oh ! how woefully it did stick in my throat ! And I honestly believe that by the time I got it out it would have been transformed into a `` yes , '' in spite of me , had it not been for a certain paragraph in Alicia 's letter which came providentially to my mind : Not to flatter you , Katherine , you are a beauty , my dear -- if your photo is to be trusted . If you have not discovered that fact before -- how should you , indeed , in a place like Thrush Hill ? -- you soon will in Montreal . With your face and figure you will make a sensation . There is to be a nephew of the Sinclairs here this winter . He is an American , immensely wealthy , and will be the catch of the season . A word to the wise , etc. .
Do n't XXXXX into any foolish entanglement down there .
believe flatter get know let love make seem trusted tucked