"Provided, of course, that I had not already married you, Miles."
But O'Hara had seen the smile. He heaved a great sigh, and said in lugubrious tones:
"There is always the river, madam."
My lady's finger wavered and stopped, and her hand tucked itself away into his.
"That is not a nice joke, Miles."
He laughed, and tweaked one of her curls.
"Sure, and did ye not ask for it, asthore?"
"Of course I did not. But about Jack, dear—"
"I thought it was about Jack?"
"Miles, will you be quiet and attend?"