"'Oh, of course,' said she, with a shrug, 'it's always that.'
"'You appear incredulous,' said I, rather offended.
"'Well, and if I am?' said she.
"My feelings were hurt. I produced Mary's second note.
"'If I can trust to your discretion, I'll prove what I say,' I remarked in a nettled tone.
"'I shall be very curious to hear the proof, sir, and I will be most discreet,' she said. She was pouting, but her eyes danced. Really, she looked very pretty—although, of course, I would not for a moment compare her with Lady Mary.
"'A lady,' said I, 'was so kind as to tell me to seek her here this morning.'
"'Oh, as if I believed that!'
"I was piqued.
"'There's the proof,' I cried, flinging the note into her lap.