"Then?"
"A fellow couldn't help seeing what she was thinking of. She had it in her mind all the time. You trust me. I'm just about as cute as you make 'em when it comes to my gran. I know what she's driving at. All about your being so sweet, and that. She never used to call you sweet; now, did she? And I remember how she used to be down on you for being so untidy and having your hair all about your ears; and she called it red then—but it's auburn now." He chuckled self-appreciatively, and she laughed outright; but this sobered him.
"Don't you go and laugh at me, Leo."
"I'm not laughing at you—now. Go on; tell me more; what else did your gran say?"
"She said—but you won't let it out?"
"No—no."
"She said it would be an awfully good thing for me if I could hitch up with—no, she didn't say that. At least," he reflected, "I don't think it was about you she said that."
"There's some one else, then?"
"Oh, bless you, yes. There are heaps of girls,—but I don't care for any of them," said Val, loftily. "Some of those I met at houses when I was away were awfully nice, though; they were, really."
"I daresay. What do you want with me, then?"