"Quite attractive," said Hal in a flat tone.
"Quite attractive, indeed!" repeated his friend indignantly. "In all your travelings, I don't believe you've ever seen any one else half as lovely and lovable."
"Local pride carries you far, Lady Jeannette," laughed Hal.
"And I had intended to have her here to dine to-morrow; but as you're so indifferent—"
"Oh, don't leave her out on my account," said Hal magnanimously.
"I believe you're more than half in love with her already."
"Well, you ought to be a good judge unless you've wholly forgotten the old days," retorted Hal audaciously.
Jeannette Willard laughed up at him. "Don't try to flirt with a middle-aged lady who is most old-fashionedly in love with her husband," she advised. "Keep your bravo speeches for Esmé! She's used to them."
"Rather goes in for that sort of thing, doesn't she?"
"You mean flirtation? Someone's been talking to you about her," said Mrs. Willard quickly. "What did they say?"