“But, Bundle, seriously, could you ever? I mean, could you ever bring yourself to?”

“Could I ever bring myself to do what?”

“Marry me. I know I’m awfully thickheaded⁠—but I do love you, Bundle. I’d be your dog or your slave or your anything.”

“You’re very like a dog,” said Bundle. “I like dogs. They’re so friendly and faithful and warmhearted. I think that perhaps I could just bring myself to marry you, Bill⁠—with a great effort, you know.”

Bill’s response to this was to relinquish his grasp of her and recoil violently. He looked at her with amazement in his eyes.

“Bundle⁠—you don’t mean it?”

“There’s nothing for it,” said Bundle. “I see I shall have to relapse into unconsciousness again.”