"I think your own neck must have been greatly surprised," said Elfrida caustically.
"Why?" demanded Mr. Brown, regarding her with severity. "Do you think it was the first time it was subjected to such sweet assaults?"
"What do you mean, Dicky? I am thankful to say that I know very little of you or your neck."
"Then, I'm sorry for you," said Mr. Browne sadly. "You've been done out of a real good thing. I must make it up to you later on."
"Agatha, we ought to find auntie and go home," said Elfrida.
She gave Dicky a short glance, but one full of contempt. It seemed to delight him. She drew Agatha away with her.
"You are still steadfast?" asked Agatha, who was afraid she wasn't.
"Quite—quite." She paused, and then laughed below her breath.
"How could I marry a crushed strawberry?" said she.
Agatha did not answer her, but she felt the frivolous Dicky had his uses.