“No, I’m not. Tell me what you mean.”

“Oh, what do you imagine I mean?” he retorted. “Do you think I’m blind? Do you suppose I’ve watched you all these years and don’t know you? Am I an ass, Scarlett? Be fair; am I?”

“No; not an ass,” I said.

“Then let me alone—unless you want plain speaking instead of a bray.”

“I do want it.”

“Which?”

“You know; go on.”

“Am I to tell you the truth?”

“As you interpret it—yes.”

“Very well, my friend; then, at your respectful request, I beg to inform you that you are in love with Madame de Vassart—and have been for months.”