“About what was said after you went out so ru—so suddenly.”
“No; why? what was said? Something about me? Tell me.”
“Oh, no, dear; as Mr. Dodd did not mention it, it is not worth while. You must not move your hands, please.”
“Now, Lucy, that is too bad. It is not fair to excite one's curiosity and then stop directly.”
“But it is nothing. Mr. Talboys teased Mr. Dodd a little, that is all, and Mr. Dodd was not so patient as I have seen him on like occasions. There, you are disentangled at last.”
“Now, signorina, let us talk sense. Tell me, which do you like best of all the gentlemen that come here?”
“You, dear; only keep your hands still.”
“None of your chaff, Lucy.”
“Chaff! what is that?”
“Flattery, then. I hope it isn't that affected fool Talboys, for I hate hun.”