"Then, sir, we cannot be friends—"
"Why, ma'am—I mean, Miss?"
"Because, sir, the properties of civilization require a mutual criterion of excellence—hem!"
"Oh yes," said Verty, very doubtfully, and checking by an effort his eternal exclamation of ignorance; "but I thought you liked me."
"I do, sir," said Miss Sallianna, with more mildness—"I thought we should be friends."
Verty smiled.
"What a funny letter you wrote to me," he said.
"Funny, sir?" said Miss Sallianna, blushing.
"Very pretty, too."
"Oh, sir!"