‘Well?’
‘The muffins are getting cold.’
‘Frankie, what is the matter with you?’
‘Nothing is the matter.’
‘Well?’
She put out her two hands and took hold of his. That well-remembered sweet, subtle scent of hers rose to his nostrils. There is nothing more insidious than a scent which carries suggestions and associations. ‘Frankie, you have not kissed me yet.’
She turned her smiling face upwards and sideways, and for an instant he leaned forward towards it. But he had himself in hand again in a moment. It gave him confidence to find how quickly and completely he could do it. With a laugh, still holding her two hands, he pushed her back into the chair by the table.
‘There’s a good girl!’ said he. ‘Now we’ll have some tea, and I’ll give you a small lecture while we do so.’
‘You are a nice one to give lectures.’
‘Oh, there’s no such preacher as a converted sinner.’