“She was in raptures—she could hardly contain her delight. Her sweet innocent ways of showing her pleasure made my heart bound. Ah, Elbraham, you have won a prize!”
“So has she,” he said gruffly. “I don’t know but what she has got the best of the bargain.”
“Oh, you conceited man! how dare you say so? But it is only your quaintness.”
“I say, though,” cried Elbraham, “she did like the place?”
“I cannot tell you how much she was delighted.”
“Did she say anything about me?”
“Oh yes; she was prattling artlessly about you for long enough—about your kindness, your generosity, the richness of the jewels you had given her. You sadly extravagant man! I can’t tell you half what she said; but I really must take you to task for spoiling her so.”
Elbraham coughed and cleared his throat.
“Didn’t—er—er—she didn’t say anything about—about my dress—my personal appearance, did she?”
“Now, wasn’t I right when I called you a conceited man? Really, Elbraham, it is shocking! I declare you are one of the most anxious lovers I ever met, and I won’t tell you a word she said.”