Extract from The Elephant Keeper by Christopher Nicholson
'Tom,' she said seriously, 'If you want to marry anyone, you must do so. I understand.'
I laughed. 'When I have never even met her, it is a little early to talk of marriage. She is probably ugly and sallow-skinned, and hare-lipped. Besides,' and I reached out with my arms, and gazed into her eyes, 'how could I marry her? O, Jenny! How could I ever marry someone else, when I am married already?'
This reply seemed to satisfy her, for her trunk reached out and affectionately brushed my ear. Then gave me a little tap on the side of the head, as if to reprove me for such a foolish remark.