"I regard a man who can act in such a way as very base."
"Such a way as what, Mr. Staveley?"
"A man who can win a girl's heart for his own amusement."
"I said nothing about the winning of hearts. That is treachery of the worst dye; but I acquit you of any such attempt. When there is a question of the winning of hearts men look so different."
"I don't know how they look," said Augustus, not altogether satisfied as to the manner in which he was being treated—"but such has been my audacity,—my too great audacity on the present occasion."
"You are the most audacious of men, for your audacity would carry you to the feet of another lady to-morrow without the slightest check."
"And that is the only answer I am to receive from you?"
"It is quite answer enough. What would you have me do? Get up and decline the honour of being Mrs. Augustus Staveley with a curtsy?"
"No—I would have you do nothing of the kind. I would have you get up and accept the honour,—with a kiss."
"So that you might have the kiss, and I might have the—; I was going to say disappointment, only that would be untrue. Let me assure you that I am not so demonstrative in my tokens of regard."