‘But were you a child? If I’m right, you were not very far from fifteen at the time I speak of.’
‘How shocking that you should remember a young lady’s age!’
‘That is not the point at all,’ said he, as though she had been endeavouring to introduce another issue.
‘And what is the point, pray?’ asked she haughtily.
‘Well, it is this—how many have uttered what you call stupid flatteries since that time, and how have they been taken.’
‘Is this a question?’ asked she. ‘I mean a question seeking to be answered?’
‘I hope so.’
‘Assuredly, then, Mr. O’Shea, however time has been dealing with me, it has contrived to take marvellous liberties with you since we met. Do you know, sir, that this is a speech you would not have uttered long ago for worlds?’
‘If I have forgotten myself as well as you,’ said he, with deep humility, ‘I very humbly crave pardon. Not but there were days, ‘added he, ‘when my mistake, if I made one, would have been forgiven without my asking.’
‘There’s a slight touch of presumption, sir, in telling me what a wonderful person I used to think you long ago.’