"No, no! I didn't exactly hate him, but I must say I didn't like him."
"Isn't that splitting straws?"
"Not at all," retorted Miss Sheldon gaily, "the two things are widely different. But to return to Mr. Gartney. He's really very nice."
"I'm so glad you think so," said Otterburn gravely. "I'll tell him so."
"No, don't," exclaimed Victoria, with genuine alarm. "I wouldn't have him know it for the world."
"Why hide the Sheldon light under the Gartney bushel?"
"You're talking nonsense, but you always did talk nonsense. But, good gracious, look at the time--six o'clock."
"Oh, that clock's wrong."
"So am I--in listening to you. Mr. Macjean, I must go. My chaperon will be waiting for me."
"Who is your chaperon?" asked Otterburn, as they ascended the stairs. "Mrs. Trubbles?"