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46 "You know we settled last night that our compact was at an end."

"Did we? I think not."

"Yes. I told you to go. I gave you a definite answer. There's nothing more to wait for."

"I think there is a great deal to wait for."

"I was most splendidly unselfish. I sacrificed myself. You don't even thank me for my disinterestedness. You are to expect nothing from me, and I am to give up the gratification of having the member for Luya—a prospective minister—among my admirers."

"Let us make a new compact," he said gravely. "I don't ask anything from you—except absolute frankness."

"Oh! that I have always given you."

"Go on giving it. Let us talk out quite openly to each other. Tell me that you don't care a bit for me—if it is true. Tell me if your affection—you said it was affection—deepens or lessens. I shall never reproach you if you hurt me. I am willing to take my chance."

"Well, what else?"

"Let us go on in this way. You will know—yes, for I shall tell you unless you forbid me—that I love you. That is not to be gainsaid. I don't care how long I have to wait. You told me that you liked me better than anyone else who has ever cared for you."

"Yes, but that isn't saying much. I have never cared for anyone."

"Well, that is all I want—now. I think I like you to be like that. It fits in with my star fancy. I can worship you without a twinge of jealousy. And when you flirt, I know that it only means that you are dull and want amusement."

"That is a charitable construction to put on my evil doings."

"I don't mind. It's like the naughtiness of a child that doesn't know what it's doing. One can't think hardly of it when it's so unconscious. That's what you are. You don't