"Dear Colonel," she said, "you are good."
"I hate thanks," was the Colonel's reply.
"How funny," said Maureen, with one of her merry laughs; "so do I."
"That's right, my pushkeen; then I quite expect you and I will suit each other."
"We have always suited each other," said Maureen.
"Yes, that's quite true," replied the Colonel. "And we need not talk of the past, need we, Maureen, acushla?"
"Why, of course not," said Maureen; "that is," she added, "not unless you wish to. I am beginning to remember everything now most beautifully."
"Don't talk of it, child; don't talk of it," said the Colonel.
"I won't—if it really hurts you," said Maureen. "I would not dream of hurting one so good; but please, dear Colonel—you do not mind my calling you dear Colonel, do you?"
"Not one little scrap, alanna."