Yes, most mischievous.

The sphere for mischief is growing magnificent." He talked, without strict command of his tongue, just to gain time; spoke of expanding Britain, and so on, a dribble of commonplaces.

Irene moved as if to rejoin her company.
"Don't go just yet--I want you--now and always." Sheer nervousness gave his voice a tremor as if of deep emotion.

These simple words, which had burst from him desperately, were the best he could have uttered--Irene stood with her eyes on the darkening horizon.
"We know each other pretty well," he continued, "and the better we know each other, the more we find to talk about.

It's a very good sign--don't you think?
I can't see how I'm to get along without you, after this journey.