`` Not at present , '' I said faintly . After a brief silence we began to talk of other things . He told me how he happened to see me first . `` I was curious to know who the people were who were always in the same place at the same time , so one day I took my telescope . I could see you plainly . You were reading and had your hat off . When I went back to the hotel I asked Mrs. Allardyce if she knew who the boarders at Fir Cottage were and she told me . I had heard Connie speak of you , and I determined to make your acquaintance . '' When we reached the lane I held out my hand for the hymnal . `` You must n't come any further , Mr. Shelmardine , '' I said hurriedly . `` Aunt -- Aunt might see you . '' He took my hand and held it , looking at me seriously . `` Suppose I were to walk up to the cottage tomorrow and ask for you ? '' I gasped . He looked so capable of doing anything he took it into his head to do . `` Oh , you would n't , '' I said piteously . `` Aunt Martha would -- you are not in earnest . '' `` I suppose not , '' he said regretfully . `` Of course I would not do anything that would cause you unpleasantness . But this must not -- shall not be our last meeting . ''
`` XXXXX will not let me come to church again , '' I said .
Aunt Mrs. anything course hat head hotel lane meeting people