"Not in earnest, certainly; I spoke in the merest fun. If I vexed you, I apologize."
"You did vex me. It is the second time to-night that you have put yourself out of the way to say a disagreeable thing. People may think as many disagreeable things as they like, but they have no right to give expression to them."
"But now you are charging me with sins which I have not committed. I have not spoken to you for five minutes, and no other sentiment of mine, that I know of, needs a special apology."
"A look does! You looked cross as you stooped to unfasten my dress from that nail when I came into the room: it bored you to render me even that very slight service. Pray don't attempt to deny it! you possess the merit of being strictly truthful."
"Truthfully disagreeable apparently," said Paul, a little nettled.
"And now," said May, restored to perfect good-humour by having spoken out her mind, "the platform seems vacant; shall we go and consider that subscription list, or will it hurt your feelings?"
"Not the least. I've suffered defeat, but I was glad of the opportunity of speaking."
"Why?" asked May, as she mounted the platform.
"Because I have won four to my side; I made four people think."
"Then the people who followed Macdonald's lead, which includes myself, are credited with not having the capacity of thinking. That is your inference, is it not?" asked May, with a gay laugh.