"Wel-l--"

"Here she comes now," added P. Sybarite, glancing up the street.
"Quick, now; you've only a minute to decide. Is it a bet?"

With a gesture of brave decision, George returned his money to his
pocket.

"You're an easy mark," he observed in accents of deep pity. "I knew
you'd think I meant it."

"But didn't you, George?"

"Nah--nothin' like that! I was just kiddin' you along, to see how much
you'd swallow."

"It's all right then," agreed P. Sybarite. "Only--George!"

"Huh?"

"Don't you breathe a word of this to Miss Lessing?"

"Why not?"

"Because I tell you not to--because," said P. Sybarite firmly, "I
forbid you."

"You--you forbid me? Holy Mike! And what--"