Then the girl continued somewhat hesitatingly: "Doubtless many women, Sir John, have seen your virtues more clearly than even I see them.

Women have a keener perception of masculine virtues than--than we have." Dorothy paused, and her heart beat with a quickened throb while she awaited his reply.

A new field of discovery was opening up to her and a new use for her disguise.
John made no reply, but the persistent girl pursued her new line of attack.
[Illustration] "Surely Sir John Manners has had many sweethearts," said Dorothy, in flattering tones.

There were rocks and shoals ahead for John's love barge.
"Many, many, I am sure," the girl persisted.
"Ah, a few, a few, I admit," John like a fool replied.

Dorothy was accumulating disagreeable information rapidly.
"While you were at London court," said she, "the fine ladies must have sought you in great numbers--I am sure they did." "Perhaps, oh, perhaps," returned John.