'How eager you are to defend her. But am I not—tell me—do I not look like a thorn in company with her?'
'There is but the difference that ill health would make.'
'Ill health? Oh, yes! And Rose is so much better born.'
'To that, I am sure, she does not give a thought.'
'Not Rose? Oh!'
An exclamation, properly lengthened, convinces the feelings more satisfactorily than much logic. Though Evan claimed only the hand- kerchief he had won, his heart sank at the sound. Miss Bonner watched him, and springing forward, said sharply:
'May I tell you something?'
'You may tell me what you please.'
'Then, whether I offend you or not, you had better leave this.'
'I am going,' said Evan. 'I am only waiting to introduce your tutor to you.'