"Why do you follow me?"
"I want to talk to you."
"What nonsense! At three in the morning? Also I am not in conventional attire."
"I'm not, either," said I, "but we'll waive ceremony."
"No, we won't!"
"Yes, we will——"
"No!"
"Why?"
"I've told you why. Do you suppose I wish Clelia or Josephine to find me sitting on the stairs with you under such circumstances?"
She seated herself on the stairs as she spoke and I came up and leaned on the newel-post.