Both the gentlemen protested at the ladies going away so early, but Kaituna remained firm, and was supported by Tommy, who said she felt very tired.
"Not of us, I hope!" said Toby, meekly.
"Thyself hath said it," she replied, holding out her hand. "Good-night."
When they were leaving the room, Maxwell, who was escorting Kaituna, bent over and whispered in her ear--
"I won't go to South America."
"South America," she repeated, with a pretended look of surprise, "Oh! yes, of course. I forgot all about it, I assure you. Good-night."
She was gone before he could say a word, leaving him overcome with anger at the flippant manner in which she spoke. Was she in jest or earnest. He could not tell. Perhaps she said one thing and meant another. He could not tell. Perchance--oh, women were all alike, they liked to put their victim on a sharp hook and watch him wriggle painfully to be free.
"She's a coquette!"
"Who? Miss Valpy?" asked Toby, overhearing.
"No, Miss Pethram; but I dare say her friend's no better."