“How I wish I could have heard his speech to the masses,” she cried enthusiastically. “For I must confess, James, that no man’s conversation ever carried me off my feet so completely as that of Robert Burns.”
“Indeed, my lady!” he retorted in mock alarm. “Then it behooves me to keep my eye on you hereafter.”
She joined in the laugh that followed, then remarked audaciously, “But, I vow, a little flirtation is really most exhilarating now and then.” She flashed her brilliant eyes mockingly upon the horror-struck countenance of Eppy McKay.
“How indiscreet!” exclaimed Eppy in amazement, “and you are a married woman, too.”
“’Tis perfectly shocking, isn’t it?” mimicked her ladyship insolently.
Eppy pursed her thin lips, while a little spot of color dyed her parchment-like cheeks. “Well, I do not approve of married women flirting,” she replied primly, and as she caught the look of amusement which passed between her ladyship and Mr. Mackenzie, she added sourly, “Especially in public.”
“Oh! Then you do approve of it in private,” replied her ladyship sweetly, innocently opening her eyes to their widest.
Eppy gave a gasp of horror. “Mercy, no!” she cried indignantly, “I should say not.” And she tossed her head in virtuous anger.
“Robert Burns!” announced the footman at this juncture.