His ardent gallantry met with a surprising rebuke. The
conversation up to that moment had been bright and cheery, her
face had been the constant reflector of his own good spirits, and
he had every reason in the world to feel that his suggestion
would be received with pleasure. It was a shock to him,
therefore, to see the friendly smile fade from her eyes and a
disdainful gleam succeed it. Her voice, a moment ago sweet and
affable, changed its tone instantly to one so proud and arrogant
that he could scarcely believe his ears.

"I shall be engaged during the entire day, Mr. Lorry," she said,
slowly, looking him fairly in the eyes with cruel positiveness.
Those eyes of his were wide with surprise and the glowing gleam
of injured pride. His lips closed tightly; little red spots flew
to his cheeks and then disappeared, leaving his face white and
cold; his heart throbbed painfully with the mingled emotions of
shame and anger. For a moment he dared not speak.

"I have reason to feel thankful that you are to be engaged," he
said at last, calmly, without taking his eyes from hers. "I am
forced to believe, much to my regret, that I have offended when I
intended to please. You will pardon my temerity."

There was no mistaking the resentment in his voice or the glitter
in his eyes. Impulsively her little hand was stretched forth,
falling upon his arm, while into her eyes came again the soft
glow and to her lips the most pathetic, appealing smile, the
forerunner of a pretty plea for forgiveness. The change startled
and puzzled him more than ever. In one moment she was