"Resigned her to a more fortunate man," I answered, circling round her chair.
"More fortunate! You haven't much to grumble at! You've been skating with her more than an hour, haven't you?"
"Really I don't know," I answered, lightly. "I took little notice of the time."
"It passed too pleasantly, I suppose?"
"Perhaps so! I so seldom have any one to talk to," I could not help answering.
"It is your own fault. You have been avoiding us deliberately for the last three weeks."
I folded my arms and looked steadily away from her.
"And if I have," I said, slowly, "I think you might congratulate me on my wisdom and strength of mind."
She laughed a little hesitating laugh, and, with her head thrown back on the cushion of the sledge, fixed her eyes upon me.
"Lady Olive is dangerous, is she?"