"
"Well, you did become confidential if you discussed a visit to
Russia."
"Yes, didn't we? I suppose you don't approve of my forward conduct?"
"I am sure you acted with the utmost prudence, Kate."
"I didn't lose any time, though, did I?"
"I don't know how much time is required to attain the point of
friendship you reached. I am inexperienced. It is true I have read of
love at first sight, and I am merely waiting to be told whether or not
this is an instance of it."
"Oh, you are very diffident, aren't you, sitting there so bashfully!"
"I may seem timid or bashful, but it's merely sleepiness."
"You're a bit of a humbug, Dorothy."
"Why?"
"I don't know why, but you are. No, it was not a case of love at first
sight. It was a case of feminine vengeance. Yes, you may look
surprised, but I'm telling the truth. After I walked so proudly off
with his high mightiness, we had a most agreeable dance together; then
I proposed to return to you, but the young man would not have it so,
and for the moment I felt flattered. By and by I became aware,
however, that it was not because of my company he avoided your
vicinity, but that he was sacrificing himself for his friend."
"What friend?"
"Lieutenant Drummond, of course."
"How was he sacrificing himself for Lieutenant Drummond?"
"I surmise that the tall Lieutenant did not fall a victim to my wiles
as I had at first supposed, but, in some unaccountable manner, one can
never tell how these things happen; he was most anxious to be left
alone with the coy Miss Dorothy Amhurst, who does not understand how
long a time it takes to fall in love at first sight, although she has
read of these things, dear, innocent girl.
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