" Betty, Mr. Amor kissed me this evening, and what
should I do? "

" What were 'ee best to do? Why think no more
about it, for indeed I dare vow you're not the first maid
that was kissed."

" But the worst of the matter is that, though I
struggled hard to escape, and though I detested
him for his persistence, yet, oh? Betty, I don't like to
tell you — I did not struggle as hard as I might have
done."

As she made this confession, Phyllida went carnation
red from forehead to pointed dimpled chin.
" There's no call for blushes," said Betty emphatically,
" for you must learnt the love of man soon or late,
and Mr. Vernon is a proper enough gentleman for
sure."

" And he said we should presently elope."

" Oh ! time enough to be wed come three years or
more," commented Betty.
194 THE PASSIONATE ELOPEMENT

" Oh ! but you would not have me allow a gentleman
to take my hand, and kiss me, and call me his dearest
life without being married imumediately. It would be
most unbecoming."

" If all the world knew, 'twould, but then nobody
don't know, and that's the best way for all true
lovers."

" Nevertheless, Betty, I feel uneasy."

" 'Tis only the stirring of your blood, my dear.
