"I said you've been behaving like a duchess."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because it's so."
She sat on her mossy throne, regarding me intently and unsmilingly.
"Don't say that again,—please," she said, coldly.
"I was merely jesting."
"I know. But please don't say it in that way. Don't use that expression."
"Very well," said I, not relishing the snub. And I laid out the lunch in silence, during which operation I could feel Thusis was watching my sulky features with amusement.
To make sure I looked up at her when I had finished, and caught the little devils laughing at me out of both her eyes.
"Luncheon's ready," said I, infuriated by her mockery.