Hope looked at him calmly, and listened to the gay cascade of talk.
The music was still playing; Mr.Van Boozenberg spoke to Lawrence Newt; Amy Waring said that she saw her Aunt Bennet.

Would Mr.Merlin take her to her aunt ?--he should return to his worship in one moment.

Mr.
Merlin was very gallant, and replied with spirit that when her worship returned--here he made a low bow--his would.

As they moved away Amy Waring laughed at him, and said that men would compliment as long as--as women are lovely, interpolated Mr.Merlin.Arthur also wished to know what speech was good for, if not to say the sweetest things; and so they were lost to view, still gayly chatting with the pleasant freedom of a young man and woman who know that they are not in love with each other, and are perfectly content not to be so, because--whether they know it or not--they are each in love with somebody else.
This movement had taken place as Abel was finishing his scattering volley of talk.
"Yes," said he, as he saw that he was not overheard, and sinking his voice into that tone of tender music which Hope so well remembered--"yes, making every body in the world happy but one person." His airy persiflage had not pleased Hope Wayne.

The sudden modulation into sentiment offended her.