“And so, Rose,” he went on placidly, “if you must laugh indeed, laugh behind his back; do not let him see, for ’twould wound him deeply——”
“And d’ye think I don’t know it!” she exclaimed furiously. “Do you think I don’t see in him all that is lacking in yourself, Sir John Dering? Simplicity, unselfishness, a noble innocence—the child in the man, thinking no evil. And think you I shall laugh at such? Oh, by heaven, I scorn you for so thinking——”
“And by heaven, child, you swear as trippingly as any fine lady——”
“Indeed, sir, my mistress is a pretty swearer, I’ve heard say!”
“Howbeit, Rose, when you shall refuse Sir Hector’s generous and most ridiculous offer, as you surely will——”
“Oh, shall I, sir?”
“Beyond doubt!”
“You are sure, sir?”
“Positive!”
“And pray why is your honour so very certain?”