demurely. "A young lady who has been properly brought up has no bad
passions."

There was a sudden cry from the players on the lawn--a cry for "Mr.
Brinkworth." Blanche tried to push him out. Arnold was immovable.

"Say something to encourage me before I go," he pleaded. "One word will
do. Say, Yes."

Blanche shook her head. Now she had got him, the temptation to tease him
was irresistible.

"Quite impossible!" she rejoined. "If you want any more encouragement,
you must speak to my uncle."

"I'll speak to him," returned Arnold, "before I leave the house."

There was another cry for "Mr. Brinkworth." Blanche made another effort
to push him out.

"Go!" she said. "And mind you get through the hoop!"

She had both hands on his shoulders--her face was close to his--she was
simply irresistible. Arnold caught her round the waist and kissed her.
Needless to tell him to get through the hoop. He had surely got through
it already! Blanche was speechless. Arnold's last effort in the art of
courtship had taken away her breath. Before she could recover herself a
sound of approaching footsteps became plainly audible. Arnold gave her a
last squeeze, and ran out.