“Bear in mind, child, that I am fifteen years your senior, and I have more worldly wisdom in my little finger than you have in the whole of your composition. I do not wish to witness your ruin.”

The tears brimmed over, and she caught his handkerchief from him, dabbing at her eyes with one heavily-laced corner.

“You do love me, Tracy?”

“In the recesses of my mind I believe I cherish some affection for you,” he replied coolly, rescuing his handkerchief. “I used to class you with your deplorable brothers, but I think perhaps I was wrong.”

She gave an hysterical laugh.

“Tracy, how can you be so disagreeable? Lud! but I pity Diana an she marries you!”

To her surprise he flushed a little.