MISS GALBRAITH, after another hesitation: "Why?"

MR. RICHARDS: "Because, if it wasn't out, some train might run into
us from that direction."

MISS GALBRAITH, tremulously: "Oh! And was it?"

MR. RICHARDS, dryly: "Yes."

MISS GALBRAITH returns to her former place, with a wounded air, and
for a moment neither speaks. Finally she asks very meekly, "And
there's no danger from the front?"

MR. RICHARDS, coldly: "No."

MISS GALBRAITH, after some little noises and movements meant to catch
Mr. Richards's attention: "Of course, I never meant to imply that
you were intentionally careless or forgetful."

MR. RICHARDS, still very coldly: "Thank you."

MISS GALBRAITH: "I always did justice to your good-heartedness,
Allen; you're perfectly lovely that way; and I know that you would be
sorry if you knew you had wounded my feelings, however accidentally."
She droops her head so as to catch a sidelong glimpse of his face,
and sighs, while she nervously pinches the top of her parasol,
resting the point on the floor. Mr. Richards makes no answer. "That
about the cigar-case might have been a mistake; I saw that myself,
and, as you explain it, why, it was certainly very kind and very
creditable to--to your thoughtfulness. It WAS thoughtful!"