"I'm sure it doesn't come easy to me," he said in a rather curt tone.
"Oh, doesn't it? I thought there really was no mistaking the grand passion on a man's part—that he was convinced in the flash of an eye."
"It is when he wishes to convince that his doubt arises. If I could persuade you—" longingly.
"I am always afraid I shall be too easily persuaded," she returned plaintively. "I sometimes wonder if I really have a good strong mind of my own. Do you know, I should like to be one of the heroic women; then in case war should come—there are such talks about it, you know—and I had to send you away—"
She looked so utterly bewitching that he had much ado not to clasp her to his heart.
"You are heroic enough. And you are tormenting to the last degree. I wonder sometimes if you even like me!"
"Oh, you know I like you," carelessly.
"If you would once say 'I love you.' You like so many people—young men, I mean."
"Why, when you have been brought up with them, so to speak—" and she looked up out of large, innocent eyes. "There are the Bakers, you know. Georgie, Rob, Teddy, and I have played together always. Would you have me turn haughty now?"
"I don't mind the Bakers, and Teddy is as good as engaged to Hester Fairfax, who really does adore him."