ed, but provocation was in the droop of eyelash,
the tremulous curve of lip and in all the soft, voluptuous languor of
her.

Mr. Dalroyd's usually pale cheek glowed, his long, white hands twitched
restless fingers and he seated himself beside her.

"Betty," he murmured, "O Betty, how delicious you are! From the first
moment I saw you I----"

"'Twas at Bath, I think, sir, or was it at Tunbridge?"

"Nay, my lady, since we're alone, have done with trifling----"

"But indeed, sir, 'tis a trifling matter since you and I are but
trifles in a trifling world. And 'tis a trifling day--and mine is a
trifling humour so, since we're alone, let us trifle. And speaking of
trifles--have you writ me the trifling ode I did command, sir?"

"Faith no, madam, there are so many to do that and I would fain be
exempt. Where others scribble bad verses to your charms I would feast
my sight upon them. Look you, Betty," he continued, leaning nearer,
his languid eyes grown suddenly wide, his thin nostrils quivering.
"I'm no tame dog to run in leash like the rest of your train of lovers,
to come at your call and go when you are weary--content with a word, a
glance--treasuring a rose from your bosom, a riband from your hair and
seeking nought beyond--no, by God! 'tis you I want--fast in my arms,
close on my heart, panting 'neath my kisses----" As he spoke he drew
yet nearer until his hot breath was upon her cheek, wherefore my lady
put up her fan and, leaning there all gracious ease surveyed him with
clear, unswerving gaze, his ill-restrained ferocity, his clutching
fingers, his eyes aflame with passionate desire; and beholding all
this, my lady dazzled him with her smile and nodded lovely head:

"O excellently done!" she laughed lightly. "Indeed, sir, now you do
trifle to admiration!"

"Trifle?" he exclaimed hoarsely, "Trifle is it? Not I, by heaven--ah
Betty--maddening witch----" His arms came out fiercely but, before he
could clasp her, she had risen and stepped back out of reach, looking
down at him with the same steady gaze, the same bewildering smile.

"Nay, sir," she said gently, "though in this trifling world you are but
a trifle, 'tis true, yet your trifling offends me like your
neighbourhood!" and crossing to the open lattice she leaned there,
staring out into the sunny garden. Mr. Dalroyd watched her awhile
beneath drooping lids then, rising, sauntered after her.

"And pray, madam, why this sudden, haughty repugnance?