"That's very nice and gallant and obvious," she said in such a tormenting tone that he broke out almost impatiently:
"Japonette, can't you ever take me seriously?"
"I hope not, cousin."
For an instant the smile remained stamped on their lips; then the slight strain became perceptible, a moment only, for she turned lightly away and seated herself on the edge of a big hanging seat.
"More Macy," she nodded ruefully. "We'll all have to fast to-morrow.... You may sit here, too, if you wish.'"
A family of starlings were nesting in the cornices of the roof across the way, and the two young people watched the old birds for a while flying to the park and returning with food for their invisible young.
"Horrid, isn't it?" observed Diana. "But that's the way of things. No sooner are you married and happy than—zip! the scene changes, and you turn into a wretched purveyor of nourishment for the next generation. Carpe diem!"
"Cede Deo! It's probably good fun," commented Edgerton.
"What? Slaving for others just when you are all ready for real happiness?"
"That's happiness, or nobody would do it—not even those birds."