what he meant, then, that morning 
after the concert. I remember ; he tried to plead your cause. 
And you spoke to him first ; and you're a lawyer, and knew no 
better than that I No, Peter; it is not possible. You're a 
nice little fellow, and I think a great deal of you ; and I'd do 
almost anything you wanted me, except-r-marry you. That's 
a little too much, even for such good nature as mine." 

"Then I'm to consider myself rejected?" 

"Now, Peter, don't put on that ill-tempered* face ; it quite 
spoils your good looks, and you know you have ncme to ^y\ 
 spare, I mean. Well, yes, then ; I am afraid you tco&sX cqti- 
2* 



34 



MRS. VAVASOR. 



sider yourself rejected. I really should like to oblige you in 
this matter, but you perceive I can't. Come, let us make it 
up  I'm not angry  and take me back to the drawing-room for 
my dance. It is a sin to lose such music as that." 

"In one moment, Katherine. Will you answer me this, 
please ? Is it for Gaston Dantree