"Nicholas!" Nina exclaimed—"My dear boy, of course you are in love!"
"And if so?"
Instantly I became of more value to Nina—she realized that she had lost me, and that some other woman drew me and not herself—and although Nina is the best sort in the world and more or less really in love with Jim, I knew that a new note could grow in our friendship if I wished to encourage it—Nina's fighting instinct had been aroused to try to get me back!
"Who with?" she demanded laconically.
"With a dream—."
"Nonsense! you are much too cynical—Is it anyone I know?"
"I should not think so—she has not materialised yet."
"This is frightfully interesting, my dear old boy!"
"So you think I'll have a chance then?"
"Certainly when you are all finished."