"You may suggest what you like," she assured him, "only—do you mind suggesting it to the lamp-post? It's cold standing here."
"Oh, certainly. I've never come to embracing a lamp-post yet, but I daresay it's better to talk to than some people are!"
The grand sweep with which he raised his hat, and the dignified sarcasm of his tone, lifted the words above mere childishness.
Nell walked on down Gardiner Street. The fact that she could not help feeling that it would be comfortable to have Ted's sturdy figure beside her irritated her.
She felt a touch on her arm. Through the yellowing fog Ted smiled at her.
"I say, Nell, I can't stand it! You'd be on my conscience. You know you don't know your way about a bit, and if the fog comes down—"
She began to smile warmly.
"Since Denis has deserted you," cheerfully he blundered, "you'll let me order you about, eh?"
The "eh" held a suddenly surprised inflection, brought about by the change in her face.
"You're downright impertinent!" she stormed. "Do go away! How can you thrust yourself where you're not wanted?"