My vanity is already more than satisfied by your frank and honest speech.

And so you found Josette ?" "Yes," I answered, scarce noting what it was I said, so puzzled was I by her quick retreat.
"And that meeting, perchance, was so pleasant that it has taken your thought from all else?
It must indeed be so, or why is it that Master Wayland doth not claim of me the stake of the wager ?" "Because," I stammered, greatly embarrassed by her roguish questioning eyes, "I fear it has not been fairly won." "Not fairly won ?" she echoed, puzzled by my tone and manner.

"Surely you have made the trip, and the terms were plain.

Really, Monsieur, you do not think I would withhold so small a reward from the winner ?" "But there was another,--the prize was destined for him who came back first." "And has Captain de Croix returned also ?" "We arrived together, Mademoiselle, but it was his good fortune to be earliest through the gate." 'Twas good to see how her face lit up with the amusement this reply afforded her.
"Pish! but you are in truth the most marvellous man I ever knew.

'T is good to meet with such open honesty; and when did maid ever have before so unselfish a cavalier to do her honor?
Monsieur, I greatly doubt if Captain de Croix will prove so thoughtful when his hour comes." "You are right, Toinette," broke in a voice at my back.