"That is an epigram, Burleigh. Since when did you become so wise?"
"Since you began to knock me about as you chose," he answered boldly. "You do as you like with me. I went to invite you to the picnic, and you had me take your cousin. This afternoon I went after her, and have you."
"Did you really!" Patty exclaimed. "Honestly, I did not think of such a thing. It was all my vanity. Let's turn round. I didn't mean to cheat Flossy out of a ride."
"We'll keep on now, I guess," he answered. "I can take her another time."
"There is no time like the present," Patty said absently; wondering secretly what was the true nature of Burleigh's feeling toward her cousin.
"Isn't there?" he said, facing her suddenly. "Then I have a question to ask you. I"—
"About Flossy?" she interrupted hastily, warned by the look in his eyes.
"No; about yourself. I"—
"But I want to tell you about Flossy first. You know she"—