"You are probably mistaken. One girl has proved how she regarded the vista, and I don't believe you had any better opinion of me than of the others. Come now, own up. Be honest. Didn't you regard me as one of the girls 'in our set' as you phrase it, that would jump at the chance?"
"Oh, nonsense, Miss Marian. The idea—"
She checked him by a gesture. "I wish downright sincerity, and I shall detect the least false note in your words."
Strahan looked into her resolute, earnest eyes a moment, and then revealed a new trait. He discarded the slight affectation that characterized his manner, stood erect, and returned her gaze steadily. "You ask for downright sincerity?" he said.
"Yes; I will take nothing less."
"You have no right to ask it unless you will be equally sincere with me."
"Oh, indeed; you are in a mood for bargains, as well as Mr.
Lanniere."
"Not at all. You have stepped out of the role of the mere society girl. In that guise I shall be all deference and compliments. On the basis of downright sincerity I have my rights, and you have no right to compel me to give an honest opinion so personal in its nature without giving one in return."
"I agree," she said, after a moment's thought.
"Well, then, while I was by no means sure, I thought it was possible, even probable, that you would accept a man like Lanniere. I have known society girls to do such things, haven't you?"