"Come out of the trance, Dudley," says I.
"I—I beg pardon?" says he, startin' guilty.
"You'll only get your wings singed," says I. "Forget Veronica while there's a chance."
"But I don't wish to forget her," says he. "She—she's beautiful."
"Ah, what's the use?" says I. "She's mighty particular too."
"She has every right to be," says Dudley. "What delicious coloring! What a carriage! She has the bearing of a Queen."
"Maybe," says I. "But wouldn't you rattle around some on a throne? Keep that in mind, Dudley."
"Yes, yes," says he. "I suppose I must remember how unimpressive I am."
He's an easy forgetter that evenin', though. When Sadie suggests that Miss Adams favor us, blessed if it ain't Dudley who's right there doin' the music turnin' act. I wonder how many others has struck that same pose, and lost good sleep thinkin' it over afterwards? But never a one, I'll bet, that looked like such a hopeless starter.
He seemed to be enjoyin' it as much as any, though. And afterwards, when the other four settles themselves around the card table for the usual three rubbers, blamed if Dudley don't have the nerve to tow Veronica into the next room, stretchin' on tiptoe to talk earnest in her ear.