"Don't be in such a hurry, Aldyth," he said, and made an attempt to draw her hand within his arm; but Aldyth found that she required both hands for the management of her gown. "I scarcely ever get you to myself now."
Aldyth laughed in a way most suitors would have found discouraging.
"We see as much of each other as most cousins do," she said, the next minute, in the most matter-of-fact tone.
"Do you never think of me except as a cousin?" he asked.
"Why, no," said Aldyth, in as cold a tone as before. "I cannot say that I do. Why should I?"
"Aldyth," he said, quickly, "it is unkind to answer me so. You must know that I care very much how you think of me."
She looked at him in amazement; but the light of the clear frosty night did not enable her to read his face.
"Really, Guy," she said, "don't you think you have carried this nonsense far enough? Hilda is not here to be piqued by your pretended devotion to me."
"Pretended devotion! What can make you say that?" said Guy. "I do not know why you should bring in Hilda's name; it is you I desire to please. My happiness depends on my winning your love."
"Guy!"