a perfect bear you have grown to be. Do you want to know who told me?"
"I don't care to know anything about it."
"Well, nevertheless, I shall tell you. You told me."
"I did? Nonsense, I never said anything about it."
"Yes, you did. Your walk showed it. The dejected look showed it, and when I spoke to you, your actions, your tone, and your words told it to me plainer than if you had said, 'I proposed to Miss Earle last night and I was rejected.' You poor, dear innocent, if you don't brighten up you will tell it to the whole ship."
"I am sure, Blanche, that I am very much obliged to you for the interest you take in me. Very much obliged, indeed."
"Oh, no, you are not; and now, don't try to be sarcastic; it really doesn't suit your manner at all. I was very anxious to know how your little flirtation had turned out. I really was. You know I have an interest in you, George, and always will have, and I wouldn't like that spiteful little black-haired minx to have got you, and I am very glad she refused you, although why she did so I cannot for the life of me imagine."
"It must be hard for you to comprehend why she refused me, now that I am a partner in the firm."
