"It's a shame that you should be under such a ban, because if a man can't make himself pleasant to ladies, what _can_ he do ?" "Well, I should like to turn over a new leaf," I replied; "but then I don't seem to please.

I've no doubt my company is very tiring, and thus I must be left out in the cold." "Nonsense," replied Tom.

"Let us have another ride this afternoon, and see whether you can't make Miss Forrest a pleasant companion." "If Miss Forrest would allow me, I should be delighted," I said.
I expected an excuse, such as a cold, a headache, or some previous engagement, especially as she had looked steadily into the fire while we had been talking.

Instead of this, however, she frankly accepted my escort, and accordingly the ride was arranged.
Nothing of importance happened before we started.

We had gone out quietly, and had attracted no notice, and rode away towards the ruins of an old castle which Tom thought we should like to visit.
As I stated, it was a raw, cold day; but I did not feel the biting wind, or notice the weird desolation that was all around.