“Bah;” ejaculated Hilton. “There’s no quarrelling with you!”
“Not a bit of it dear boy; but as I was saying, seeing what stupid things you did about—”
“Chumbley!”
“All right: I wasn’t going to mention her name. I say, seeing what stupid things you did, it was not surprising that a lady in love with your noble features and Apollo-like form—”
“I declare I shall forget myself directly!” cried Hilton, between his teeth.
“No: don’t, old fellow; but you might let me finish my speech. It isn’t often I’m flush of words, and when I am you check me. I say once more it was not so very surprising that her ladyship here should set a trap for you, catch you, and want to persuade you to accept her very eligible offers. There, sit down, man, and make the best of it! Stop that irritating walk of yours! You are like a human pendulum!”
“Idiot!” muttered Hilton, between his teeth, glancing at the Princess’s back, though, as she leaned in a graceful attitude against the window, with her arm through the bamboo bars.
“Calling names!” said Chumbley, coolly. “Imitation’s the sincerest form of flattery. Will you stop that wolf-in-a-cage walk?”
“No!”
“Then you’re a Zoological Gardens beast! I say, why don’t you utter a short howl every time you turn?”