longer.

"Yes," answered Jane, with a vigorous little nod of her head, and a
peal of laughter.

"Then drop back with me," I responded.

The princess looked at us with a half smile, half frown, and remarked:
"Now you doubtless consider yourselves very brilliant and witty."

"Yes," returned Jane maliciously, nodding her head in emphatic assent,
as the princess and Brandon rode on before us.

"I hope she is satisfied now," said Jane _sotto voce_ to me.

"So you want me to ride with you?" I replied.

"Yes," nodded Jane.

"Why?" I asked.

"Because I want you to," was the enlightening response.

"Then why did you not dance with me the other evening?"

"Because I did _not_ want to."

"Short but comprehensive," thought I, "but a sufficient reason for a
maiden."