Miss Sallianna is always in love with somebody; it was Mr.
Jinks the other day, and now I think it is one of our two visitors." "Oh, Fanny!" "Yes, I do! you need'nt look so incredulous--I believe she would flirt with either of them, and make love to them; which," added the philosophic Fanny, "is only another phrase for the same thing." Redbud remained for a moment confused, and avoiding Fanny's glance.
Then her innocent and simple smile returned, and leaning her arm affectionately upon the young girl's shoulder, she said, seriously: "Fanny, please don't talk in that way.

You know Verty is not an ordinary young gentleman--" "Oh, no--!" cried Fanny, laughing.
"I mean," Redbud went on, with a slight color in her cheek, "I mean, to amuse himself with compliments and pretty speeches--if Miss Sallianna thinks he is, she is mistaken." "Odious old thing!--to be flirting with all the young men who come to see _us_!" said Fanny.
"No, no," Redbud went on, "I think you are mistaken.

But as you have mentioned Verty, please promise me one thing, Fanny." "Promise! certainly, Reddy; just ask me whatever you choose.

If it's to cut off my head, or say I think Miss Sallianna pretty, I'll do it--such is my devotion to you!" laughed Fanny.
Redbud smiled.
"Only promise me to amuse Verty, when he comes." "Amuse him!" "Yes." "What do you mean." "I mean," Redbud said, sighing, "that I don't think I shall be able to do so." "What!" "Fanny, you cannot understand," said the young girl, with a slight blush; "I hope, if you are my real friend, as you say, that you will talk with Verty, when he comes, and make his time pass agreeably." Redbud's head sank.
Fanny gazed at her for a moment in silence, and with a puzzled expression, said: "What has happened, Reddy, between you and Verty--anything ?" "Oh, no." "You are blushing! Something must have happened." "Fanny--" murmured Redbud, and then stopped.
"Have you quarreled?
You would'nt explain that scene in the parlor the other day, when I made him tie my shoe.

You have quarreled!" "Oh, no--no!" "I'm glad to hear it," cried Fanny, "though I could easily have made it up.