"I have told you before that I much object to that flirting manner!" she said, severely.
"And I have told you," he retorted, "that it's the only manner I know—or that I dare employ!" he added, in a lower voice.
"If you wish to be a friend of mine——"
"I wish to be more than a friend."
"Really, Mr. Armstrong, this is absurd! Please let my hand go at once. I cannot stand here with you like——"
"Like lovers?"
"Like two people in a Christmas number."
"I can't let you go until you promise to try and like me."
"You tell me of your dreams and presentiments and fancies," she said, with sudden fire; "perhaps I, too, have fanciful ideas about people, and in my mind may have just as much reason for disliking you as you have for liking me!"
"Not liking—loving."