"Was I cruel?" she asked, with sudden compunction.
"You know you were," he answered reproachfully, "so I think you ought to make up for it."
He took her hand that was lying on her lap, and drew her towards him. She made no resistance, but still kept her eyes cast down.
"How can I make up for it?" she asked, in a low voice. "By saying Yes, instead of No," he replied ardently.
"Certainly. Yes, instead of No."
"How cruel you are still," he said impatiently. "You understand what I mean quite well. You sent me away to wander all over the face of the earth because you were----"
"A coquette," she interrupted.
"I never said so," he answered, rather taken aback.
"You did--then."
"I? Well I do not now. I'll say you are the dearest, sweetest girl in the world if you'll only say----"