“Well?” she said.
“You know, you are a ripper. I’m so grateful to you for being nice to me. I like you so much.”
“Don’t be idiotic,” she said.
Philip took hold of her elbows and drew her towards him. She made no resistance, but bent forward a little, and he kissed her red lips.
“Why did you do that?” she asked again.
“Because it’s comfortable.”
She did not answer, but a tender look came into her eyes, and she passed her hand softly over his hair.
“You know, it’s awfully silly of you to behave like this. We were such good friends. It would be so jolly to leave it at that.”
“If you really want to appeal to my better nature,” replied Philip, “you’ll do well not to stroke my cheek while you’re doing it.”
She gave a little chuckle, but she did not stop.