`I call it "at first"';
and she laughed merrily and melodiously. She certainly had a
nice laugh, that girl.
"Now, concerning what follows, I have, since then, entertained
some doubts whether I behaved in all respects discreetly. You
will allow that the position was a difficult one, but it is, I
admit, very possible that my wisest course would have been to
make an apology and turn tail as quickly as I could. Well, I
didn't. I thought that I owed the lady a full explanation.
Besides, I wanted a full explanation myself. Finally (oh,
yes, I see you fellows grinning and winking), Mary was not there,
and this young lady rather interested me. I decided that I would
have five minutes' talk with her; then I would run back and find
Mary.
"`I must beg a thousand pardons,' I began, `but I took you for
somebody else."
"`Oh, of course,' said she, with a shrug, `it's always that.'
"`You appear incredulous,' said I, rather offended.
"`Well, and if I am?' said she.
"My feelings were hurt. I produced Mary's second note.
"`If I can trust to your discretion, I'll prove what I say,' I
remarked in a nettled tone.
"`I shall be very curious to hear the proof, sir, and I will be
most discreet,' she said. She was pouting, but her eyes danced.
Really, she looked very pretty--although, of course, I would not
for a moment compare her with Lady Mary.
"`A lady,' said I, `was so kind as to tell me to seek her
here this morning.
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