I am as intelligent as you." "I know it, but it wouldn't attract me unless----" "It ought to," she said hastily.

"And, Duane, I'm going to make you take me into account.

I'm going to exercise a man's privilege with you by--by saying frankly--several things----" "What things ?" The amused mockery in his voice gave her courage.
"For one thing, I'm going to tell you that people--gossip--that there are--are----" "Rumours ?" he asked in pretended anxiety.
"Yes....

About you and--of course they are silly and contemptible; but what's the use of being attentive enough to a woman--careless enough to give colour to them ?" After an interval he said: "Perhaps you'll tell me who beside myself these rumours concern ?" "You know, don't you ?" "There might be several," he said coolly.

"Who is it ?" For a moment a tiny flash of anger made her cheeks hot.