"Refusals of what?" she replied, wilfully misunderstanding his meaning, at which Otterburn felt somewhat disappointed.

"Ah, your memory is treacherous."

"I think not! I can remember most things--when I choose."

"Then do you remember how we talked about Scotch costumes, and I said I'd put mine on the first Fancy Dress Ball we went to."

"Yes! I remember that."

"This is the first Fancy Dress Ball."

"And you are in your tartans," she answered, with a sudden glance. "How curiously it all comes about. I thought you had forgotten."

"I never forget anything you say," he replied eagerly. "I wish I could."

"Now that's very unkind of you! Why?"

"Because I wish to forget how cruel you were to me at the Villa Medici."