"Oh, no," he protested, far from displeased, however, at the accusation.
"You have just been making love to Ethel."
"Nothing to speak of," he assured her lightly. "You see," he added, more amorously, "I did not know you cared for me."
"Oh, Mr. Gage!"
"I didn't," he maintained, wilfully misunderstanding her protest. "I dare say I ought to have, but I didn't."
"And now"—she laughed meaningly—"you think you have discovered my secret?"
The last word nearly brought a whistle to Peckover's lips, but he suppressed it in time. "Yes," he urged, "if I am right, if I have discovered it——" he paused to get a look at her face, and something more.
"Yes?" she murmured.
"Let's make the most of it," he suggested. "Give me a kiss."
"Oh, no, it wouldn't be proper," she objected, holding back.