The things we do!

"Now, sir, I want you to tell me the truth; why do you refuse my
invitations and so persistently keep away from me? I thought at first
I would simply let you go your way, and then I thought I--would not.
Don't deny it. I know you won't. With all your faults, you don't tell
even little lies; not even to a woman--I believe. Now there is a fine
compliment--is it not?--when I intended to scold you!" She gave a
fluttering little laugh, and, with hanging head, continued: "Tell me,
is not the king's sister of quality sufficient to suit you? Perhaps
you must have the queen or the Blessed Virgin? Tell me now?" And she
looked up at him, half in banter, half in doubt.
"My duties--," began Brandon.
"Oh! bother your duties. Tell me the truth."
"I will, if you let me," returned Brandon, who had no intention
whatever of doing anything of the sort. "My duties now occupy my time
in the evening----"
"That will not do," interrupted Mary, who knew enough of a guardsman's
duty to be sure it was not onerous.


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