She drew her hand away very gently and with perfect composure before saying, as she looked full at him with her fine dark eyes—
"You are not joking, then?"
"Joking!"
"Well, I know you are not given to joking, and this would certainly be an inconceivably bad joke; but it is almost more inconceivable that you should be in earnest."
He was fairly bewildered, and doubtful of her meaning.
"However," she continued, "if you really expect a serious answer, you must have it. No, thank you."
He stood up erect and stiff, as if moved by a spring. She remained leaning back in an easy attitude on the couch, and looking at him.
"I——Constance!—--I don't understand you!" he exclaimed.
"I refuse you," she replied in a gentle voice, and with her best society drawl. "Distinctly, decidedly, and unhesitatingly. I think you must understand that. Won't you stay and see Lady Belcraft?" (Theodore had taken up his hat, and was moving towards the door.) "Oh, very well. I will make your excuses."
She rang the bell, which was within reach of her hand, and Theodore walked out of the room without proffering another word.