"Silence is new in Sir Ralph," she said.
"He was waiting leave to speak."
"And that is newer still."
"You like the new?" he asked audaciously.
"Oh! it is variety for the moment"—with the faintest lift of the chin—"though doubtless it would get tiresome in time."
"Let us enjoy the moment then," said he. "I was thinking of you when you came."
"I regret, Sir Ralph, I may not be equally flattering."
"So does Sir Ralph."
"Though I will admit my thoughts were of a man."
"He shall have my gage at sunrise."