"If there is anything good in me, you have put it there," he answered. "Do not take it away; do not give me the physic of good advice."
"I think you need it more than usual to-night," said his cousin. "You are more than usually foolish, you know."
"You are more than usually wise. But if you tell me to do anything to-night, I will do it."
"Then go away and dance with some one else," laughed Hermione. To her surprise, Alexander rose quietly, and with one gentle glance turned away. Then she repented.
"Alexander!" she exclaimed, almost involuntarily.
"Yes," he answered, coming back, and seating himself again by her side.
"I did not tell you to come back," she said, amused at his docility.
"No—but I came," he replied. "You called me. I thought you had forgotten something. Shall I go away again?"
"No. You may stay, if you will be good," said she, leaning back and looking away from him.
"I promise. Besides, you admitted a moment ago that I was very good. Perhaps I am too good, and that is the reason why you sent me away."