By-and-by a chilling thought fell upon them both at the same moment of time. The men were good friends as usual, safe, by sex, from tiffs, and could do without them; and a dull day impended over the hostile fair.
Thereupon the ingenious Fanny resolved to make a splash of some sort and disturb stagnation. She suddenly cried out, “La! and the man is gone away: so what is the use?” This remark she was careful to level at bare space.
Zoe, addressing the same person—space, to wit—inquired of him if anybody in his parts knew to whom this young lady was addressing herself.
“To a girl that is too sensible not to see the folly of quarreling about a man—when he is gone,” said Fanny.
“If it is me you mean,” said Zoe stiffly, “really I am surprised. You forget we are at daggers drawn.”
“No, I don't, dear; and parted forever.”
Zoe smiled at that against her will.
“Zoe!” (penitentially).
“Frances!” (archly).
“Come cuddle me quick!”