"I never give advice," I interrupted hastily. "I'm not clever enough."
"I never said you were," she retorted. "But you are slow and sure."
"Thanks, Lady Mabel."
"I think you're just horrid, and why you should be so stiff with me I don't know, seeing that you knew Cannington and myself since we could toddle."
"Oh, come now, I'm not so old as all that."
"You are, and ever so much older, you--you bachelor."
"I can't help that, since you refuse to marry me," I said smiling.
"You've never asked me to--not that I would accept you," she replied promptly. "All the same, you needn't call me Lady Mabel, as if you were keeping me off with a pitchfork."
"Well, then--Mabel."
"That's better." She gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder. "You know that I look on you as a good sort, Cyrus, and the oldest friend we have."