The Earl loves you," said Sholto, lifting his head haughtily out of her reach.

(To have one's chin pushed this way and that by a girl's forefinger, and as it were considered critically from various points of view, may be pleasant, but it interferes most seriously with dignity.) "He may, indeed," drolled the minx, "one can never tell.

But he has never said so.

He is perhaps afraid, being born without the self-conceit of some people--archers of the guard, fledgling captains, and such-like gentrice." "Do you love him ?" reiterated Sholto, determinedly.
"I will tell you for that gold buckle," said Maud, calmly pointing with her finger.
Instantly Sholto pulled the cap from his head, undid the pin of the archery prize, and thrust it into his wicked sweetheart's hands.
She received it with a little cry of joy, then she pressed it to her lips.

Sholto, rejoicing at heart, moved a step nearer to her.