“I nearly fainted myself,” he said; but she felt that her attitude repelled him.

“Well, I owe you a thousand apologies.”

“Oh, all right.”

“And — this is the real point — you know how silly people are gossiping — ladies especially, I am afraid — you understand what I mean?”

“I'm afraid I don't.”

“I mean, would you not mention it to any one, my foolish behaviour?”

“Your behaviour? Oh, yes, all right — all right.”

“Thank you so much. And would you — ”

She