"
"That's awfully good of you," he said.
"Oh, no, it isn't. I want to. I shall bring my own as well and eat it on
the step."
"Better and better!" said Rivington.
She laughed her own peculiarly light-hearted laugh.
"I've a good mind to turn you out and sleep there myself. I'm longing to
know what it feels like."
"You can if you want to," he said.
She shook her head.
"I daren't, by myself."
"I'll have my kennel underneath," he suggested.
But she shook her head again, though she still laughed.
"No, I mustn't. What would Mrs. Perkiss say? She has a very high opinion
of me at present."
"Who hasn't?" said Rivington.
She raised her eyes suddenly and gave him a straight, serious look.
"Are you trying to be complimentary, Knight Errant? Because--don't!"
Rivington blew a cloud of smoke into the air.
"Shouldn't dream of it," he said imperturbably. "I am fully aware that
poor relations mustn't presume on their privileges."
She coloured a little, and gave her whole attention to fastening her
shoe-lace.
"I didn't mean that," she said, after a moment. "Only--don't think I
care for that sort of thing, for, candidly, I don't."
"You needn't be afraid," he answered gravely. "I shall never say
anything to you that I don't mean."
She glanced up again with her quick smile.
"Is it a bargain?" she said.
He held out his hand to her.
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