"But, really, I don't see why—!"
"Need I remind you I am a man?" he argued lightly. "Even as you are a very charming woman...."
The frown deepened while she conned this utterance over.
"How do you mean me to interpret that?" she demanded, straightforward.
"The intention was not uncomplimentary, perhaps," he said gravely; "though the clumsiness is incontestable. As for the rest of it—I'm not trying to flirt with you,
if that's what you mean—yet. What I wished to convey was simply my intention
no longer to bear my masculine weight upon a woman—either you or any other
woman."
A smile contended momentarily with the frown, and triumphed brilliantly.
"I beg your pardon, I'm sure. But do you mind telling me what you do mean to
do?"
"No."
"Well, then—?" The smile was deepening very ple
