Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/294

Rh "Good-morning, Miss Varris!" he stammered. He drew her from blocking the promenade and brought her beside him against the rail.

"Why—haven't you heard?" he asked. "Didn't you receive my note?"

"Of course!" the girl replied. She looked at him frankly, and he reddened again.

"Then why have you done—why do you do this?" he pleaded.

The girl laughed easily.

"I knew you wouldn't see it!" she taunted him. "And you are always laughing at the density of Mr. Dunneston and the English!"

"See what, Miss Varris?" he demanded.

"Oh—your inconsistency," the girl replied. "And the particular absurdity which you are now taking seriously yourself and trying to impose upon me."

"What one, Miss Varris?" he demanded. She had roused him more than a little.

"I see," she still taunted, finding she was gaining her effect, "that I shall have to 268