CHAPTER XXV.
HOW TITA TOLD A SECRET TO TOM HESCOTT IN THE MOONLIGHT; AND HOW HE SOUGHT TO DISCOVER MANY THINGS, AND HOW HE WAS MOST INNOCENTLY BAFFLED.
"Of course, I shall understand that it is a secret," says Tom Hescott.
Both he and Tita are quite unaware of the fact that Rylton and Mrs.
Bethune had just been standing behind them.

Tita, who had been dancing with Hescott, had led the way to this spot when they came out into the garden.
"Still," says Tita, hesitating, "perhaps I ought not to speak.

A secret _is_ a secret, you know." "Yes; everyone knows that," says Hescott.
"Knows what ?" sharply.
"About a secret." "If you're going to be nasty, you shan't know it at all," says Tita.
"I understand you very well.

You think no woman can keep a secret." "Ah! but a man can.

Tell me yours." "Nonsense! A woman is _twice_ as good at keeping a secret as a man is.