"Even for me."
"Well, then, I'll say you are more agreeable than usual."
"That is better, though some might doubt whether that was possible."
"Ralph, you are a conceited, fine gentleman, and positively dreadful."
"Ah, you dread me!"
"No, sir!"
"Well, that is not fair—for I am afraid of you. The fact is, Miss Redbud," continued Ralph, turning to the young girl, "I have fallen deeply in love with Fanny, lately—"
"Oh, sir!" said Redbud, demurely.
"But I have not told you the best of the joke."
"What is that?"