"How big an island is it?"
"About seven miles long."
We both laughed.
"Are seven miles worth fighting for?" I asked, amused.
"One's back-yard is worth fighting for, isn't it?" she asked calmly.
"Of course. But not for the purpose of establishing a duchy in it."
Thusis didn't seem to consider that remark very funny.
"I'll freely give anything I have," she said hotly, "but I'll fight like a wild-cat to resist the robbery of a single button!"
"I didn't steal that button," said I. "I brought it back to you—from Ferdie's dressing-room."
"I wish you wouldn't be so flippant, Michael!"