"It is bright blue, but no matter! So you wont listen to me, Tom?" continued Elizabeth.
"My dear girl, did I ever refuse to listen in all my life!" cried Tom. "But you see, you're a little mistaken, Bessie; I'm not such a goney as I used to be."
"That has nothing to do with the matter."
"Oh, yes, it has; I mean, I don't allow myself to be such a dunce, even in my own thoughts. I never even think about—about—you know what I mean."
Tom broke down and made a somewhat lame conclusion.
"Oh, Tom, Tom!" Elizabeth said.
"Well, there!" cried he, with sudden energy; "there is no use in standing here and telling you fibs! I do love her—I must love her—I always shall love her—hang me if I shan't!"
He was in a state of great agitation now, and trembled all over as if he had been addressing Elsie herself.
Elizabeth sighed wearily.
"I thought so," she said; "I feared so."