"You must be mad," said Bassett, in a trembling voice. "Stark staring mad."
"It's to make you leave off loving me," she explained
"Don't make it worse," said Rosa kindly. "I suppose you can't help it, and ought to be pitied for it really. Now I know why it was you winked at me when you came to the house the other day."
"Winked!" gasped the horrified youth. "Me?"
"I thought it was weakness of sight, at the time," said the girl, "but I see my mistake now. I am sorry for you, but it can never be. I am another's."
Bassett, utterly bereft of speech, stood eying her helplessly.
"Don't stand there making those sheep's eyes at me," said Rosa. "Try and forget me. Was it love at first sight, or did it come on gradual like?"
Bassett, moistening his tongue, shook his head.
"Am I the first girl you ever loved?" inquired Rosa, softly.
"No," said the boy. "I mean—I have never been in—love. I don't know what you are talking about."