At this the young lady began to rock back and forth in an abandon of merriment. The idea, it seemed, was too utterly ridiculous for words. Her silvery laughter filled the glade and caused the jealous waterfall to cease its music.
"No, no," she said, finally. "It is impossible. Besides, I am doing penance. I can see no one. In the city I cannot even sit upon the balcony." She fetched a palpably counterfeit sigh, which ended in a titter.
Never had Kirk beheld such a quaintly mischievous, such a madly tantalizing creature.
"Say! You're not really going to marry that fellow!" he exclaimed, with considerable fervor.
She shrugged her shoulders wearily. "I suppose so. One cannot forever say no, and there are many reasons—"
"Oh, that's the limit. You'll go nutty, married to a chap you don't care for."
"But I am naughty, now."
"Not 'naughty'—nutty. You'll be perfectly miserable. There ought to be a law against it. Let me call and talk it over, at least. I know all about marriage—I've been around so many married people. Promise?"
"I cannot let you 'call,' as you say. Besides, for two weeks yet I must remain here alone with Stephanie." She regarded him mournfully. "Every day I must do my penance, and think of my sins, and—perhaps look for orchids."
He saw the light that flickered in the depths of her velvet eyes, and his heart pounded violently at the unspoken invitation.