He went over to the
door; then returned and, leaning on the back of a chair, looked at me
thoughtfully.
"What now?" I wondered--and waited.
"There is a matter, cousin," he began, "which has been on my mind
lately--and this may be as good a time as any to take it up."
I nodded. "Go ahead--we are in the humor for confidences, this
afternoon, it seems."
"And for plain speaking?" he asked.
"Between men I'm always for that," said I. "It's the safest in the
end."
"Exactly my opinion. I am glad to have one of your experience and
discretion agree with it," he answered.
It seemed to give him the keenest pleasure to sneer at me, to my very
face, with compliments he thought I would take seriously. And, in
truth, I think I was beginning to enjoy it as much as he.
"You are a bit old for your age, my dear Duke," I said.
"But I have much to learn," he said modestly.
"It will all come in time, cousin," I answered patronizingly.
He dropped his head an instant--to hide his smiles, I knew.
"A charming afternoon," he said. "Confidences--compliments--and plain
speaking. We are making rare progress, cousin mine."
"And, why not?" I asked.
"Surely," he exclaimed, heartily, "surely--why not?" Then he paused.
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