His arm was stealing round her waist, but she pushed it away, and faced him with a regal air.
“Listen to me, Colonel Dacre!” she said impressively. “It is true that I was only twenty the other day, but I have seen a good deal of the world, and am not easily deceived. From the first moment that you and I met, I knew that you had something on your mind.”
“Few men reach my age without finding that they have a good deal to remember and forget. In my hot youth I committed plenty of follies, I dare say; but I can safely swear that I never really loved a woman until I saw you.”
“And never deceived one, Colonel Dacre?”
“Never—as I hope for heaven!”
“Oh, hush!—hush!” she exclaimed, her eyes flashing. “You are deceiving me now.”
“Upon my word, Gwendolyn, I have not even prevaricated. Let me know of what I am accused, that I may defend myself; it is not fair to insinuate things of such moment to me without making it possible for me to explain.”
“Very well,” she said; “you shall hear my story from the beginning. You remember the day that I was frightened by Bates’ bull?”
“Certainly I do.”
“Well, I did not sprain my ankle.”