"For you, no doubt. But for her! No; really I am sorry. When you told her that you loved her I am sure she thought you meant forever. I am sure, too, that you meant for a week. It is a shame to treat a girl like that and then turn her loose."
Loftus had begun to busy himself with some fish. He put his fork down. "But, confound it, you told me to."
"Did I? I forgot. Besides, you are not usually so obedient."
Loftus turned to his fish. "It seems to me that there is rather a change in the temperature. Isn't there?" he asked.
"But, Royal, I cannot help feeling sorry for that girl. I cannot help feeling, too, that if you can get rid of her in this lively fashion you might do the same with me."
"In that case it only shows what a simpleton you are. If I have had anything to do with her at all it was only because I couldn't have anything to do with you."
"Well, hardly in that way. But you could have asked me to marry you."
"I have since."
"Say, rather, I asked you."
"Anyway, the other evening it was settled. If now you have changed your mind——"