"You can't blame any one for noticing me, can you, Gay?" Her tone was honey-sweet.
"I can blame you for flirting across the room when you're here with me!" he replied fiercely.
Fancy opened her eyes very wide. "Indeed?" she said with a sarcastic emphasis.
"That's right," he affirmed.
In answer, she cast another languishing glance toward Cayley. Cayley, despite Clytie's entreating hand upon his arm, sent back an unequivocal reply.
"Well," said Gay, rising sullenly, "I guess it's up to me to leave!" He reached for his hat.
"Oh, Gay!" she protested in alarm, "you're not going to throw me down before this whole crowd, are you?" Already their colloquy had attracted the attention of the near-by tables.
He hesitated a moment. "Unless you behave yourself," he said finally. His tone of ownership decided her.
"Run along, then!" She gave him a smile of limpid simplicity, but her jaws were set determinedly. "I expect I can get some one to take care of me. Don't mind me!"
Their discussion had not been unnoticed at Mr. Cayley's table. Clytie was watching the pair interestedly, as if reading the motions of their lips. Fancy caught her eye and flushed a little.