A flash of the eyes came to her across the table; and then Dane remarked quietly that he had thought of that a number of times. 'Indeed I may say,' he added, 'that I am always thinking of it.'
She laughed a little bit, catching his meaning, but the serious look came back.
'For instance,' she said,'all this that I spend on myself, you wouldand dospend on other people.'
'I think nothing can equal my astonishment at that "statement," except the impossibility of answering it!'
'But I do not mean anything ridiculous,' said Hazel,'not bread and butter and partridges. At least, I don't know about the partridgesbut you understand. And I do not mean that I would not give them up,only'
'Did I convey the impression that I wished you to give up partridges?'
'Yesif somebody else wanted them more,' said Hazel. 'And I am willing enough. But then, but then!I wish you knew,' she said, rising abruptly as Dingee came in to clear the table. 'I wish I could tell you.'
CHAPTER XV.
CONFIDENTIAL TALK.
Dane waited, till Dingee's services had been performed and the door was closed behind him again; then came beside Wych Hazel where she was standing and drew her within his arm.