"Then I'm flattered that my influence goes so far, though it's perhaps unlucky in the present instance," he said boldly. "I'll own that I'm responsible for our misfortunes and I'm ready to take the consequences. Please give me that book."
"No," Sylvia replied severely. "I feel guilty for playing at all, but the line must be drawn."
"Where do you feel inclined to draw it?"
They had reached the hall and Sylvia turned and looked at him directly, but with a trace of coquetry.
"At allowing a comparative stranger to meet my losses, if I must be blunt."
"The arrangement isn't altogether unusual. In this case, it's a duty, and the restriction you make doesn't bar me out. I'm not a stranger."
"A mere acquaintance then," said Sylvia.
"That won't do either. It doesn't apply to me."
"Then I'll have to alter the classification." She broke into a soft laugh. "It's difficult to think of a term to fit; would you like to suggest something?"
Several epithets occurred to the man, but he feared to make too rash a venture.