She did not know how it happened, but it seemed to occur accidentally.
"We never talk to each other," he said.
"Well," answered Cora, "we have talked to other people a great deal--at least I have." "Yes, you have talked a good deal," said the marquis.
"Does that mean I have talked too much ?" He surveyed her prettiness through his glass.

Perhaps the holiday stir in the air gave him a festive moment.
"It means that you haven't talked enough to me.

You have devoted yourself too much to the laying low of young Heriot." She laughed a trifle saucily.
"You are a very independent young lady," remarked Walderhurst, with a lighter manner than usual.

"You ought to say something deprecatory or--a little coy, perhaps." "I shan't," said Cora, composedly.
"Shan't or won't ?" he inquired.

"They are both bad words for little girls--or young ladies--to use to their elders." "Both," said Miss Cora Brooke, with a slightly pleased flush.