“Don’t let us boast,” Colonel Dacre returned, as he passed his hand through her arm. “A thing always happens directly you begin to congratulate yourself upon having escaped it.”
“Then I won’t say another word.”
“Come for a walk instead,” he said. “You have spoiled me so, Gwen, that I can’t enjoy my cigar unless you are hanging about me.”
“Oh! Lawrence, I am sure I never hang about you.”
“What do you do, then?”
“I walk by your side.”
“Like a discreet British maiden. Do you know you have got your part very perfect, considering the short time you have had to learn it?”
“I don’t call six months a short time.”
“It has seemed so to me—perhaps, because I have been so happy. I am afraid you have been dreadfully bored, Gwen, as it has passed so slowly.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Lawrence!”