"Do you think I know nothing, sir, of your wicked plots?"
"You wrong me, fairest. Of what plots can I think but how to steal the citadel of your heart?"
"You may try to turn aside my thoughts with empty phrases, but I have heard of your fine Corresponding Society, and of your proposed deputation to the liberty-loving heroes of Paris after their wholesale massacre of defenceless men and women."
"Your pardon, most gracious lady. But, an' I dared, I would warn you that pretty ears are made to listen only to pretty speeches and not to harken to matters of which they know nothing."
He spoke as one might to a petulant child, so that she could have cried for very chagrin and anger.
It was bitter after the heroics of that mad journey. But she would teach him that women are to be reckoned with.
"We shall see when Morice comes," she retorted. "He will listen to his true friends, and—and his conscience."
The last words forced the smile to mocking lips. It was humorous indeed to associate a conscience with one of the gayest young bucks of Carlton House.
What lengths the argument might have led to is uncertain. My Lord Denningham, I fear, was finding that beauty in a passion bade fair to be irresistible, and rosy lips the more tempting in a pout, when a diversion was called by Mistress Gabrielle herself.
Wide-eyed she stood, turning from her tormentor, whilst anger died away into pleased welcome on her face.