"I didn't suppose you would think it necessary to take such care of a boy," she said, with an attempt at dignity.
"I shouldn't," laughed Peveril; "but why didn't you tell me yesterday that you were a young lady, and that your name was Mary?"
"I don't remember that you asked me."
"That's so. It was you who asked all the questions and I who answered them. So now it is my turn."
"I sha'n't promise to answer, though."
"Oh, but you must; for there are some things that I am extremely anxious to know. For instance, why do you dress in boy's costume?"
"Because my father wished me to."
"An excellent reason. Now I want to know if 'Darrell's Folly' and the Copper Princess are one and the same mine?"
"I believe the Copper Princess has been called by that other name, which, however, I will thank you not to repeat in my presence."
"All right, I won't; but tell me—"