"So you see you need not have been so very cold to me," I whisper from this safe retreat, feeling much relieved. It is positive torture to me to quarrel with any one.
"Forgive me, my own. It is our first disagreement; it shall be our last. What a miserable hour and a half I might have spared myself had I but known!"
"But 'Duke, you said I behaved foolishly all the evening."
"Never mind what I said."
"But I must know who put it into your head. Was it Blanche Going?"
"She said something about it, certainly. It was a mere careless remark she made, but it struck me. I don't believe she knew she said it."
"I guessed rightly, then. That woman hates me. She was trying to make mischief between you and I."
"Oh, no, darling. Do not misjudge her. I am convinced she had no hidden meaning in what she said. It was only a passing word, and probably I took it up wrongly. She has no thought for you but kindness."
"Then I don't like her kindness, and I will not have you listening to her remarks about me. She never says anything without a meaning. You do not think I was flirting, 'Duke?"
"My darling, of course not. No; but I love you so dearly it is positive agony to imagine any one might, by chance, misinterpret your conduct."