Am I to understand, then, that you don't like sitting near me ?" "Ah, that's a different thing," says Tita, with a little side-glance at him that shows a disposition to laughter.
"You see! you see!" says Mr.Gower triumphantly--he has a talent for teasing.

"Then you do wish to sit beside me! And why not ?" He expands his hands amiably.

"Could you be beside a more delightful person ?" "Maybe I could," says Tita, with another glance.
Rylton, who is listening, laughs.
His laugh seems to sting Mrs.Bethune to her heart.

She turns to him, and lets her dark eyes rest on his.
"What a little flirt!" says she contemptuously.
"Oh no! a mere child," returns he.
"Miss Bolton! What an answer!" Gower is now at the height of his enjoyment.

"And after last night, too; you _must_ remember what you said to me last night." "Last night ?" She is staring at him with a small surprised face--a delightful little face, as sweet as early spring.