“That’s why I refer to it at the dinner table. I don’t mean it, you see. Well, out in that unmoonlit corner, then, will you tell me one thing,—tell me truly?”
“Certainly. I’ll tell you two things truly, even three, if you like. But they must be things of my own choosing.”
“First, yes. Then it will be my turn. And I shall ask you something very important.”
“Then I shall run away. My mind is so full of important things just now, that it simply won’t hold another one.”
“You don’t know me yet. I’m a man who always has his own way.”
“How interesting! I don’t think I ever knew one before. All the men I have known have politely deferred to my way.”
“Indeed? You must be longing for a change.”
“Not only that, but it is positively necessary that I talk to my other-side man now. Where are your manners, that you have so long neglected your other-side lady?”
“With thee conversing, I forgot all manners. Also, the fair Miss Homer is absorbed in Mr. Peyton’s gay chat.”
“Well, give her a change, then. Marie, please turn this way. Mr. Channing is dying to talk to you.”