hat sort
of foam you see on grass-stems in the fields. Hidden away inside is a
very clever and busy little creature. He uses the froth to protect
himself."

"Are you going to froth?"

"Yes--until----"

"Until what?"

"You----"

"Go on."

"Shall I say it?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, unless you and I find each other intellectually
satisfactory."

"You said only a man--in love with a woman--could find her interesting
in that way."

"Yes. What of it?"

"Nothing.... Only I'm afraid you'll have to froth, then," she said,
laughing. "I haven't any intention of falling in love with you, Duane,
and you'll find me stupid if I don't. Do you know that what you intimate
is very horrid?"

"Why?"

"Yes, it is. Besides, it's a sort of threat----"

"A threat?"

"Certainly. You threaten to--you know perfectly well what you threaten
to do unless I immediately consider the possibility of our--caring for
each other--sentimentally."

"But what do you care if you don't care?"

"I--don't. All the same it's horrid and--and unfair. Suppose I was
frothy and behaved----"

"Misbehaved?"

"Yes. Just because you wouldn't agree to take a sentimental interest in
me?"

"I _would_ agree! I'll agree now!"

"Suppose you wouldn't?"

"I can't imagine----"

"Oh, Duane, be honest! And I'll tell you flatly--if you do misbehave.
Just because I don't particularly desire to rush into your arms----"

"But I haven't threatened to."

Unconsciously she laid her hand on his arm again, slipping it a little
way under.

"You're just as you were years ago--just the dearest of playmates. We're
not too old to play, are we?"

"I can't with you; it's too dangerous."

"What nonsense! Yes, you can. You like me for my intelligence in spite
of what you say about men and women----"

"I wouldn't care for your intelligence if I were not in----"

"Duane, stop, please!"

"In danger," he continued blandly, "of proving my proposition."

"You are insufferable. I am as intelligent as you."

"I know it, but it wouldn't attract me unless----"

"It ought to," she said hastily. "And, Duane, I'm going to make you
take me into account. I'm going to exercise a man's privilege with you
by--by saying frankly--several things----"

"What things?"

The amused mockery in his voice gave her courage.

"For one thing, I'm going to tell you that people--gossip--that there
are--are----"

"Rumours?" he asked in pretended anxiety.

"Yes.... About you and--