"I did not."
"Mr. Dermott did, then. What was his answer?"
"I do not choose to tell. I am not in the habit of playing spy and informer."
"Then I shall repeat it. I am not in the habit of winking at impudence or transgressions of the most common laws of society. What do you say, sir, of a man who, in the presence of ladies, calls another a 'farcical fool?'"
"That he is a foreign jackanape. He never darkens my door again. You heard this?" to Ida.
"I did not, sir, but Mr. Pemberton displays such penetration in discovering, and taste in fitting on caps that could suit no one else so well, I am not inclined to contest his title to this latest style."
"I do not wonder at your defence of your erudite suitor," said Josephine, laying a disagreeable stress upon the adjective. "If he were to single me out in every company, as the one being capable of appreciating him, I, too, should be blinded by the distinction attendant upon my notoriety. But as His Highness never gives token, by word or deed, of his consciousness of the existence of so unpretending a personage, I may be pardoned my impartial observation and judgment. I do not expect you to forbid his visits, sir, but I wish it understood that I am not at home when he calls."
"And that you reject his attentions?" asked Ida, dryly.
Josephine did not like her smile, yet saw no danger in replying—"assuredly!"
"It is a pity," was the rejoinder, "that your resolution was not postponed until Tuesday."