"Oh, I see what you're hinting at," he replied, having by this time got over his momentary discomposure. "I see some one's been gossiping, making much ado about nothing! What harm is there in a little fun and nonsense with a pretty girl, even if she is silly?"
"Mr. Pomeroy," exclaimed Nora, in a voice unsteady with indignation, "did you ever read the fable of the boys and the frogs?"
"Miss Blanchard," he replied, now in a tone half apologetic, "you high-strung young ladies are always making mistakes, when you try to judge about other people who don't feel like you. That girl hasn't any heart at all; all she cares about is to have a good time; so what amuses me doesn't hurt her; and if it did set her against marrying a lout like that surly young Mason, so much the better for her, and for him, too! She can do better for herself if she likes, and if she ever marries him she'll lead him a dance, I can tell you!"
"Mr. Pomeroy," said Nora, severely, "you know in your heart better than that. I want you to promise me to have nothing more to do with Nelly Grove."
He began to whistle, then checked himself. "And what if I don't?" he asked.
"Then I shall have to tell Kitty," she said, decidedly.
"And if I do promise, you'll promise to say nothing about it, will you? I suppose some women can keep a secret!"
"Yes, I am quite willing to promise that," she said.
"Well then—honor bright—I hereby promise to renounce Nelly and all her works; will that satisfy you?"
"Yes," said Nora, shortly.