"I never could--but you're the kindest lady in this world, Miss Vertrees." She gave him a flashing glance, and it was as kind as he said she was.
"That sounds wrong," she said, impulsively.

"I mean 'Miss Vertrees.' I've thought of you by your first name ever since I met you.

Wouldn't you rather call me 'Mary' ?" Bibbs was dazzled; he drew a long, deep breath and did not speak.
"Wouldn't you ?" she asked, without a trace of coquetry.
"If I CAN!" he said, in a low voice.
"Ah, that's very pretty!" she laughed.

"You're such an honest person, it's pleasant to have you gallant sometimes, by way of variety." She became grave again immediately.

"I hear myself laughing as if it were some one else.