"The devil you did!" said I, dryly. "What! after being mittened?"
"Yes," said Jack. "It was on my mind to say it, and I said it."
"And how did Louie take it?"
"Not well. She looked coolly at me, and said:
"'Captain Randolph, I happened to be speaking sensibly. You seemed to be in earnest when you asked for my opinion, and I gave it.'
"'And I was in earnest,' I said.
"'How very absurd!' said she. 'The fable of the shepherd-boy who cried wolf, is nothing to you. It seems to be a fixed habit of yours to go about to all the young ladies of your acquaintance threatening to blow your brains out. Now, in getting up a sentiment for my benefit, you ought at least to have been original, and not give to me the same second-hand one which you had already sent to Number Three.'
"She looked so cold, that I felt frightened.
"'You're—you're—not offended?' said I. 'I'm sure—'
"'Oh, no,' said she, interrupting me; 'I'm not offended. I'm only disappointed in you. Don't apologize, for you'll only make it worse.'