"You can't come in this way," says he.
"Can't I? I wish I had a penny for every time I did get in this way," says she. "Here, give me your hands."
He stoops to her, and catches her small brown hands in a close grip. The new Lady Rylton plants a very shapely little foot against an excrescence in the wall, and in a second has her knee on the window-sill.
"After all, my mother was right," says Rylton, laughing. "You are a hoyden."
He takes the slight girlish figure in his arms, and swings her into the room. She stands for a second looking at him with a rather thoughtful air. Then—
"You mother may call me names if she likes," says she. "But you mustn't!"
"No?" laughing again. She amuses him with her little air of authority. "Very good. I shan't! I suppose I may call you wife, any way."
"Oh, that!" She stops. "Did you bring me in to ask me that question?"
At this they laugh together.
"No. I confess so much."