He could not help but return to the foot of the steps; any pusillanimity on his part at this juncture, any reluctance to meet Editha face to face or to bear the brunt of her reproaches and of her sneers, might jeopardize the romance of his personality in the eyes of Sue.

Therefore he boldly took her hand and kissed it with mute fervor.
She gave a happy little laugh and added pertly: "Good-night, mistress ...

I'll leave you to make your own adieux to Monseigneur le Prince d'Orleans.

I'll warrant that you and he--despite the lateness of the hour--will have much to say to one another." And without waiting to watch the issue of her suggestion, her eyes dancing with mischief, she turned and ran singing and laughing into the house..