"It only shows that humbugs flourish best in the world," he said.
"Do you call Gilbert a humbug?" asked Bessie, her fair face flushed with indignation.
"Yes, I do."
"Then," she said, spiritedly, "it only shows your jealousy and envy of him, because he is better looking and more popular than you. Jealousy is hateful, I think," said the little lady, tossing her head with emphasis.
"I hope when I am jealous it will be of somebody better than Gilbert Grey," said Maurice, angry and mortified because Bessie had referred to Gilbert as better looking and more popular than himself.
"It seems to me you are making yourself very disagreeable to-night, Maurice," said his cousin, pettishly.
"If you knew what an impudent message he sent to you, you might change your mind about him."
"What impudent message did he send? I don't believe he sent any."
"Then you're mistaken. He said, with his own lips, 'Give my love to Bessie.'"
A smile rippled over the face of Bessie Benton, and there was a little blush, too. Evidently she was not at all displeased at the message.