‘And you think that in your particular case the latter alternative will hold good? We generally think we shall be lucky ourselves, though all the world before us, in the same situation, have been otherwise.’
‘O yes, or we should die outright of despair.’
‘Well, I don’t think you will be lucky in your case.’
‘Please how do you know so much, since my case has not yet arrived?’ asked Tabitha, tossing her head a little disdainfully, but less than she might have done if he had not obtained a charter for his discourse by giving her the bracelet.
‘Fie, Tabitha!’
‘I tell you it has not arrived!’ she said, with some anger. ‘I have not got a lover, and everybody knows I haven’t, and it’s an insinuating thing for you to say so!’
Louis laughed, thinking how natural it was that a girl should so emphatically deny circumstances that would not bear curious inquiry.
‘Why, of course I meant myself,’ he said soothingly. ‘So, then, you will not accept me?’
‘I didn’t know you meant yourself,’ she replied. ‘But I won’t accept you. And I think you ought not to jest on such subjects.’
‘Well, perhaps not. However, don’t let the Bishop see your bracelet, and all will be well. But mind, lovers are deceivers.’