"If you like," replied Laura, "giving and taking, as is usually done. But it must be only in joke," she added, thinking of her father; "and no presents."
Both ate the almonds with the laudable intention of losing the game. The consequence was that the affair did not advance. Laura, in the course of the following week, handed books, tea-cups, and plates of meat to the Doctor. He was dumb as a stick, and never said, "I am thinking of it." Had he forgotten the agreement, or was it his usual chivalry? But Laura could not remind him of his forgetfulness, otherwise she would win the philopena. She again became very angry with him.
"The learned gentleman does not hand anything to me," she said, to Ilse; "he treats me as if I were a stick."
"It must be unintentional," replied Ilse; "he has forgotten it long ago."
"Of course," cried Laura; "he has no memory for a pretty joke with such an insignificant person as I am."
"Make an end of it," advised Ilse; "just remind him of it."
It so happened that the Doctor, on one occasion, could not avoid picking up a pair of scissors, and handing them to her.
"I am thinking of it," said Laura; and added, pertly, "that's more than you do."
After that she offered the Doctor the sugar-bowl; the Doctor took a piece of sugar out civilly, but was silent.
"Good morning, philopena," she cried, contemptuously.