"Why not, sir?" cried Mr. Jinks, bristling up.
"Because you would have no chance."
"No chance, sir!"
Ralph's propensity for mischief got the better of him; and leaning over, he whispered in the warlike gentleman's ear, as he pointed to Miss Sallianna.
"I say, Jinks, don't you understand?—desperately in love—hum—with—hum—Verty here; no doubt of it!"
And Ralph drew back, looking mysterious.
Mr. Jinks cast upon the quiet Verty a glance which would have frozen giants into stone.
"No, sir! all explained!" he said.
"It can't be, my dear fellow," said Ralph, in a low tone. "Verty has the proofs."
"Did you speak to me?" said Verty, smiling: he had been talking with
Redbud during this conference.