"With such allies you can have nothing to fear," he replied, attempting to carry on her little jest.
"Nor even without them, Mr. Finn. We unprotected females in these days are so self-reliant that our natural protectors fall off from us, finding themselves to be no longer wanted. Now with you,—what can I fear?"
"Nothing,—as I hope."
"There used to be a time, and that not so long ago either, when young gentlemen and ladies were thought to be very dangerous to each other if they were left alone. But propriety is less rampant now, and upon the whole virtue and morals, with discretion and all that kind of thing, have been the gainers. Don't you think so?"
"I am sure of it."
"All the same, but I don't like to be caught in a trap, Mr. Finn."
"In a trap?"
"Yes;—in a trap. Is there no trap here? If you will say so, I will acknowledge myself to be a dolt, and will beg your pardon."
"I hardly know what you call a trap."
"You were told that I was here?"