"Has Doctor Johnson bitten you?" asked Marjolaine, mischievously.
"Oh, that gifted bird!" exclaimed Basil, rapturously.
"Did he speak?" asked Marjolaine, while Barbara panted expectant.
"Speak!—Ah!—" Basil had no words.
Doctor Sternroyd's window was violently thrown open by Jack. It was nearly dark in the Walk, and Jack was reckless. "Marjory!" he called. Marjory was very much startled. Anybody might come out at any moment.
"Oh! take care!" she cried, as she ran up to within whispering distance of him.
Barbara, with bent head and blushing cheeks was trying to keep Basil to the point. "What did he say, Mr. Basil?"
"Come closer!" whispered Jack to Marjolaine, and after assuring herself that no one was looking, she crept inside the little garden.
Basil came impulsively towards Barbara. "Shall I tell you? Dare I tell you?" he asked passionately, yet shyly.
"You know best," said Barbara, making an invisible pattern on the grass with her dainty foot.