"I'll tell her straight out, after dinner," he concluded, "and her mother, too, if I get a chance."
"Do you know what will happen?" I asked.
"You never know what will happen," replied Dicky, blushing.
"Mrs. and Miss Portheris and Mr. Mafferton will leave the Hotel Colomba for parts unknown, by the earliest train to-morrow morning."
"But Mrs. Portheris declares that we're to be a happy family for the rest of the trip."
"Under the impression that you are disposed of, an impression that might be allowed to——"
"My heart," said Dicky impulsively, "may be otherwise engaged, but my alleged mind is yours for ever. Mamie, you have a great head."
"Thanks," I said. "I would certainly tell the truth to Isabel, as a secret, but——"
"Mamie, we cut our teeth on the same——"
"Horrid of you to refer to it."