'Did it seem insolent? I didn't mean—oh, I'm so tired of this——'
'I daresay. You'll be tireder still before you've done. I don't get tired, let me tell you. You can go on as long as you choose,—it won't affect me.'
'Oh do, do let's be friends. I don't want to go on. I don't want anything in the world except to be friends. Please kiss me, Everard, and say you forgive me——'
He at least stood still and looked at her.
'And do believe I'm so, so sorry——'
He relented. He wanted, extraordinarily, to kiss her. 'I'll accept it if you assure me it is so,' he said.
'And do, do let's be happy. It's your birthday——'
'As though I've forgotten that.'
He looked at her upturned face; her arm was round his neck now. 'Lucy, I don't believe you understand my love for you,' he said solemnly.
'No,' said Lucy truthfully, 'I don't think I do.'