Instead of answering, he stood, after one startled glance at her, looking intently at the knuckle of his forefinger.
"Do take pity on our poor sex," said Agatha maliciously.

"You are so rich, and so very clever, and really so nice looking that you ought to share yourself with somebody.

Gertrude would be only too happy." Trefusis grinned and shook his head, slowly but emphatically.
"I suppose _I_ should have no chance," continued Agatha pathetically.
"I should be delighted, of course," he replied with simulated confusion, but with a lurking gleam in his eye that might have checked her, had she noticed it.
"Do marry me, Mr.Trefusis," she pleaded, clasping her hands in a rapture of mischievous raillery.

"Pray do." "Thank you," said Trefusis determinedly; "I will." "I am very sure you shan't," said Agatha, after an incredulous pause, springing up and gathering her skirt as if to run away.

"You do not suppose I was in earnest, do you ?" "Undoubtedly I do.