"That is not many," interrupted John.
"And," continued the girl, "I believe, John,—Sir John,—you possess all the kinds of bravery that are good."
"You flatter me," said John.
"Yes," returned Dorothy, "that was my intent."
After that unflattering remark there came a pause. Then the girl continued somewhat hesitatingly: "Doubtless many women, Sir John, have seen your virtues more clearly than even I see them. Women have a keener perception of masculine virtues than—than we have."
Dorothy paused, and her heart beat with a quickened throb while she awaited his reply. A new field of discovery was opening up to her and a new use for her disguise.
John made no reply, but the persistent girl pursued her new line of attack.
"Surely Sir John Manners has had many sweethearts," said Dorothy, in flattering tones. There were rocks and shoals ahead for John's love barge. "Many, many, I am sure," the girl persisted.
"Ah, a few, a few, I admit," John like a fool replied. Dorothy was accumulating disagreeable information rapidly.
"While you were at London court," said she, "the fine ladies must have sought you in great numbers—I am sure they did."