'I came here this morning,' began Selwyn vaguely, 'expecting'----

'Expecting a frumpy, red-haired girl with a black derby hat down to her
nose.'

He bowed solemnly. 'Instead of which, I find--a Russian princess.'

'You are a dear. You can't imagine how much thought I expended on this
hat.'

'It was worth it. You look absolutely'----

'Just a minute, Mr. Selwyn. You are not going to tell me I look
charming?'

'That was my intention.'

She sighed, with a pretty pretence at disappointment. 'That will cost
me half-a-crown,' she said.

'I beg your'----

'Yes; I wagered myself two-and-six to a "bob" that you wouldn't use
that word.'

'It is really your fault that I did,' he said seriously.

She curtsied daintily. 'I make money on Englishmen and lose it on
Americans,' she said. 'I have a regular scale of bets. I give ten to