Page:Anthony Hope - The Dolly Dialogues.djvu/24

 'But he sends me a love of a bracelet. He can't possibly pay for it, poor boy.'

'Young knave!' said I severely. (I had paid for my pearl heart.)

'Then come a lot from girls. Oh, there's one from Maud Tottenham—she's a second cousin, you know—it's rather amusing. "I used to know your fiancé slightly. He seemed very nice, but it's a long while ago, and I never saw much of him. I hope he is really fond of you, and that it is not a mere fancy. Since you love him so much, it would be a pity if he did not care deeply for you.

'Interpret, Miss Dolly,' said I.

'She tried to catch him herself,' said Miss Dolly.

'Ah, I see. Is that all?'

'The others aren't very interesting.'

'Then let's finish Georgy Vane's.'

'Really?' she asked, smiling. 'Yes. Really.'

'Oh, if you don't mind, I don't,' said she, laughing, and she hunted out the pink note and spread it before her. 'Let me see. Where was I? Oh, here. "I thought you were going to be silly and throw away your chances on some of the men who used to flirt with you. Archie Mickleham may not be a genius, but he's a good fellow and a swell and rich; he's not a pauper like Phil Meadows, or a snob, like Charlie Dawson or" Shall I go on, Mr. Carter? No, I won't. I didn't see what it was."

'Yes, you shall go on.'