"Trying, that. But why? Her conduct is encouraging. I thought she was in love with me."
Again Grace looked at him, puzzled; again his face was in shadow, and his inscrutable voice baffled her.
"I do not believe you ever thought any such thing. The girl is a coquette born. She would flirt with Ogden, for the mere pleasure of flirting. She flirts with you because there is no one else."
"Trying!" repeated the Doctor. "Very! And you really think there is no use in my proposing—you really think she will not marry me?"
"I really think so."
"And why? Don't break my heart without a reason. Is it because I am poor?"
"Because you are poor, and not handsome enough, or dashing enough for the vainest, shallowest little flirt that ever made fools of men. Is that plain enough?"
"That's remarkably plain, and I am very much obliged to you. My darling Rose! But hush! A silk dress rustles—here she comes!"
The door opened; it was Rose, but not alone; both sisters were with her, and Doctor Danton arose at once to make his adieus.
"I depart to-morrow for Montreal," he said. "Farewell, Miss Danton."