“We’re very sensitive to—to rebuffs.”

“I suppose so. You were shot in a rebuff, weren’t you?” she said, politely.

His laugh rang out at that.

“Yes, but we’re not so sensitive to a rebuff from guns as we are to a rebuff from ladies.”

“No?”

“Have ye taken an unconquerable dislike to me, Miss Bryce?” he begged.

“I think you’re very—pleasant,” admitted Isabelle.

“Couldn’t ye take a lesson from me?”

“You think I’m unpleasant?”