She freed herself. "Bear!" she said. "I didn't invite you to assist me in bringing up my family!"
"You've got to have some assistance," he said wickedly.
She changed the subject. "I suppose you've been in love dozens of times," she said.
"Not like this. Flirtations."
"Oh, the last time is always the only time," she said mockingly.
"Well, how about yourself?" he parried.
"Not a flirtation!" said Pen ruefully. "Not the least little bit of a one. Only dreams."
"The men were afraid of you," said Don sagely. "It takes courage to make up to a girl like you."
"Conceit!" said Pen ... "Tell me about your flirtations."
"I forget," he said warily.