"Should I? What is it?"
"I love you," replied the Colonel.
Momentary surprise, which caused her wonderful eyes to fly upwards to his again, gave place immediately to frank amusement. Her enchanting gurgle of laughter escaped her; she said: "You are wrong. The unexpected cannot be commonplace."
"Was it unexpected? I had not thought that possible."
"Certainly. At the end of a week I might expect you to say just that, but you have said it within ten minutes of making my acquaintance, and so have taken my breath away. Go on: I like to be surprised."
"That is all," said the Colonel.
Again she cast him that considering glance. "You are very clever, or very simple. Which is it?"
"I haven't a notion," replied the Colonel. "Ah! Is this strategy from a staff officer?"
"No, it is the truth."
"But, my friend, you are fantastic! You will next be making me an offer!"