"Nothing is more easy than to escape it," she said, and deftly turned her chair with its back to him.
He seized it by the arm and twisted it around again.
"No, you don't," he said. "Forgive me; you know the stereotyped advice to newly married couples about the two bears; 'bear and forbear,' don't you? Well, remember it, please."
"I don't see the parallel," said Violet coolly; "and anyway, is the advice directed entirely at the woman?"
"No, I'm bearing with you now for turning your back to me, you who are going to teach me to clog when we reach the island." He gave her the smile designed to melt the icy heart.
"In consideration," returned Violet, "for a continuous ripple of song."
Edgar suddenly looked important, and gazed out of the window. Then he turned back to the girl who was regarding him.
"What do you think of my voice—honestly?" he asked.
"I think it is one of the most beautiful I have ever heard," she answered promptly.
He nodded slowly. "I fished to some purpose, didn't I," he said gravely. "Well, since you really think that, and I've always admired your sincerity, you may be interested to know that I have given up business in order to cultivate it."