Barres, more uneasy than amused, now, and having before this very unwillingly suspected Dulcie of an exaggerated sentiment concerning him, inspected her furtively and sideways.
“I won’t tease you any more,” he repeated. “I’m sorry. But you understand, Sweetness; it’s just a friendly tease—just because we’re such good friends.”
“Yes,” she nodded breathlessly. “Don’t notice me, please. I don’t seem to know how to behave myself when I’m with you——”
“What nonsense, Dulcie! You’re a wonderful comrade. We have bully times when we’re together. Don’t we?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then, for the love of Mike! What’s a little teasing between friends? Buck up, Sweetness, and don’t ever let me upset you again.”
“No.” She turned and looked at him, laughed. But there was a wonderful beauty in her grey eyes and he noticed it.
“You little kiddie,” he said, “your eyes are all starry like a baby’s! You are not growing up as fast as you think you are!”
She laughed again deliciously: