Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/110

 barouche. And I added severely, 'I suppose I'd better sit with my back to the horses?'

'Oh, no, you're not my husband,' said Dolly. 'Sit here'; and she made room by her as she continued, 'I rather like Mr. George.'

'I'm ashamed of you,' I observed. 'Considering your age'

'Mr. Carter!'

'Considering, I say, his age, your conduct is scandalous. I shall never introduce any nice boys to you again.'

'Oh, please do,' said Dolly, clasping her hands.

'You give them roses,' said I, accusingly. 'You make them false to their earliest loves'

'She was a pudding-faced thing,' observed Dolly.

I frowned. Dolly, by an accident, allowed the tip of her finger to touch my arm for an instant.

'He's a nice boy,' said she. 'How like he is to you, Mr. Carter!'

'I am a long way past that,' said I. 'I am thirty-six.'

'If you mean to be disagreeable!' said she, turning away. 'I beg your pardon for touching you, Mr. Carter.'

'I did not notice it, Lady Mickleham.'

'Would you like to get out?'

'It's miles from my club,' said I discontentedly.

'He's such fun,' said Dolly, with a sudden smile. 'He told Archie that I was the most charming woman in London. You've never done that!'