“Sir, I believe that you are playing with me,” she said with great dignity.

“Madam, I am abashed.”

“I am very glad to hear it, then. I infer that Mr. Everard was something more than he pretended to be.”

“In truth, a sorry rogue to deceive a lady.”

“And I want to know if I am right. Is he, perhaps, some grand gentleman?”

“I can assure you, madam, that there is very little of the gentleman about Mr. Everard.”

Miss Betty began to laugh.