'You have my heart's dearest wishes for your happiness; think of me sometimes, Amelius, when you open your purse.' If you had been in my place, could you have told her to go away, when she said that, and put her gift into your hand?
Not if she had been looking at you at the moment--I'll swear you couldn't have done it!" The lean yellow face of Rufus Dingwell relaxed for the first time into a broad grin.

"There are further particulars, sir, stated in the newspaper," he said slily.
"Damn the newspaper!" Amelius answered.
Rufus bowed, serenely courteous, with the air of a man who accepted a British oath as an unwilling compliment paid by the old country to the American press.

"The newspaper report states, sir, that she kissed you." "It's a lie!" Amelius shouted.
"Perhaps it's an error of the press," Rufus persisted.

"Perhaps, _you_ kissed _her ?"_ "Never mind what I did," said Amelius savagely.
Mr.Hethcote felt it necessary to interfere.

He addressed Rufus in his most magnificent manner.