"You rather took my breath away," said Lawrence, with a change of tone. "Did I do it all right?"

"Oh—quite right," answered Fanny, thoughtfully.

Immediately after the words Lawrence heard a little sigh. Then Fanny heard one, too.

"You didn't happen to be in earnest, did you?" she asked suddenly, in a low, soft voice.

"Well—I didn't mean—that I meant—you know we agreed to play a game—"

"I know we did—but—were you in earnest."

"Yes—but, of course— Oh, this isn't fair, Miss Trehearne!"

"Yes, it is. I said 'yes,' didn't I?"

"Certainly, but—"

"There's no 'but.' I happened to be in earnest, too—that's all. I've lost the game."