“Did you ever do anything in a state of perfect
indifference, Miss Julia?” I asked an old sweetheart
of mine last night.

“Why, yes, certainly, Mr. Perkins—a good many
times.”

“What, did it with absolute, total indifference?”

“Yes, perfect, complete indifference, Eli.”

“Well, Julia, my beloved,” I said, taking her hand,
“what is one thing you can do now with perfect
indifference?”

“Why, listen to you, Eli.”

I postponed proposing.