"Yes, very," he protested, with a glance of amusement into her upraised eyes. "I did everything I could to gain admission in the regulation way, but was quite unsuccessful."
"What a shame," she said, interrupting him with softened voice. "I suppose the maids were all out in the garden for a stroll this fine night, and I was so absorbed in my book that I didn't hear the knocker."
"And then," he resumed, with a valiant disregard of the truth, "I came in making as much ado as I conveniently could, without calling out or overturning the furniture."
"Under the circumstances I see that you must be forgiven. Won't you be seated, Mr. Farr? I don't know what I have been thinking of, to allow you to remain standing all this while."
"Thank you, no. On the other hand, I want to persuade you to arise."
"Why?"
"Because I am here on a mission. I have come to reproach you for not keeping your promise to join us at the parsonage."
"And to whom am I indebted for this kind and flattering interest?"
"None other than myself."
"Oh, you are too good," she cried laughingly, springing to her feet, and making him a sweeping obeisance.