"And keep the matter to ourselves?" eagerly.
"Why, y-yes, for the present, at least."
"All right! I'm willing. Only you'll ignore me when she's by, I'm afraid."
Hope turned suddenly away, almost unable to control her laughter.
"I ought to ignore you always," she said, "but—"
"But you won't, I'm sure! And, in time, even she will see how I have improved, and relent towards me."
"Do you think so?" asked Hope in a smothered tone.
"Indeed I do! She is too sweet and fine a girl to hold resentment, I'm sure. I'll win her over yet!"
"Well, you might try," said the naughty girl in a tone of doubtful assent, "but my sister is not one to be trifled with, and you were wise to come to me. If you ever do speak to her, I wouldn't advise you to repeat this conversation—" and, chuckling amusedly, Hope sped on her way, leaving Allyne in great contentment of mind. He looked after her with a smile.
"It was lucky I tackled the right one!" he muttered. "The other is lovely; I suppose, but I like a little more force and fire. In spite of their resemblance it's easy enough to tell them apart when one is really interested. Well, I must keep my promise, now, and behave myself—that is clear!"