“That—is rude.” He kept his eyes meditatively fixed upon her.
“Have you made a discovery in my face?” asked the girl presently, slightly moving from his gaze.
“No,” he replied calmly. “My discovery was made some time ago; I am merely going over beautiful and pleasant ground.”
“Really?” she returned, flushing, “then please look away; you annoy me.”
“Why should I, since you know it is done in admiration? You are a woman; do not pretend distaste for it.”
“I shall certainly go upstairs if you persist in talking so disagreeably.”
“Indulge me a little; I feel like talking, and I promise not to be disagreeable. Always wear white; it becomes you. Never forget that beauty needs appropriate surroundings. Another thing, ma belle cousine, this little trick you have of blushing on the slightest provocation spoils your whole appearance. Your complexion should always retain its healthy whiteness, while—”
“You have been indulged quite sufficiently, Louis. Do you know, if you often spoke to me in this manner I should soon hate you?”
“That would indeed be unfortunate. Never hate, Ruth; besides making enemies, hate is an arch enemy to the face, distorting the softest and loveliest.”
“We cannot love people who calmly sit and irritate us like mocking tarantulas.”