She smiled at me as I straightened up, and continued to regard me very intently, still slightly smiling.

“What has disturbed your usual equanimity, Euan? You seem as flushed and impatient as — as a lover at a tryst, for example.”

At that I coloured so hotly that she laughed and took my arm, saying:

“There is no sport in plaguing so honest a heart as yours, dear lad. Come; shall we walk over to call upon your fairy princess? Or had you rather bring her here to me?”

“She also leaves it to your pleasure,” I said; “Naturally,” said Mrs. Bleecker, with a touch of hauteur; then, softening, smiled as much at herself as at me, I think.

“Come,”