"That for the sake of being rich you would marry me (or any one else, your tone meant) even were I 'as ugly as sin.'"
"If I said that, it was an untruth, because if you were us ugly as Bobby De Vere, for instance, I most certainly would not marry you. I detest plain people."
"Well, at all events, I think you owe me some reparation for the pain you have inflicted."
"I do, indeed," I admit, eagerly. "Lay any penance you like upon me, and I will not shrink from it. I will do whatever you ask."
"Will you?" quickly. "Then kiss me of your own accord. I don't believe up to this, Phyllis, you have ever yet done so of your own sweet will."
"I will do it now, then," I return, heroically, and straight away, raising myself on tiptoe, without the smallest pretense at prudery, I fling myself into his arms and kiss him with all my heart.
No accomplished coquette seeking after effect could have achieved a more complete success by her arts than I have by this simple act, which is with me an everyday occurrence where the boys are concerned. By it I have obtained a thousand pardons, if need be.
He is evidently surprised, and grows a little pale, then smiles, and strains me to him with passionate fervor.
"My darling—my own! Oh, Phyllis! if I could only make you love me!" he whispers, longingly.
"Marmaduke," I say presently, in a rather bashful tone, trifling with the lapel of his coat.