"But I perceive I weary you. A man in love, my dear Lavinia-"
She was up again at that.
"In love? You? Nonsense! Nonsense! Nonsense! You do not know what the word means. You are like a-like a fish, with no more of love in you than a fish, and no more heart than a fish, and-"
"Spare me the rest, I beg. I am very clammy, I make no doubt, but you will at least accord me more brain than a fish?"
"Oh, you have brain enough!" she raged. "Brain for evil! I grant you that!"
"It is really very kind of you-"
"The passion you feel now is not love. It is-it is-"
"Your pardon, my dear, but at the present moment I am singularly devoid of all strenuous emotions, so your remark is-"
"Oh, Tracy, Tracy, I am even quarrelling with you!" she cried wretchedly. "Oh, why?-why?"
"You are entirely mistaken, my dear. This is but the interchange of compliments. Pray, do not let me hinder you in the contribution of your share!"
Her lip trembled.
"Go on, Tracy, go on."
"Very well. I had described her eyes, I think?"
"Very tediously."
"I will strive to be brief. Her lips are the most kissable that I have ever seen-"
"And, as you remarked, you have experience," she murmured.
He bowed ironically.
"Altogether she's as spirited a filly as you could wish for. All she needs is bringing to heel."
"Does one bring a filly to heel? I rather thought-"
"As usual, my dear Lavinia, you are right: one does not. One breaks in a filly. I beg leave to thank you for correcting my mixed metaphor."
"Oh, pray do not mention it."
"I will cease to do so. She needs breaking in. It should be amusing to tame her."
"Should it?" She looked curiously at him.
"Vastly. And I am persuaded it can be done. I will have her."
"But what if she'll none of you?"
Suddenly the heavy lids were raised.
"She will have no choice."
Lady Lavinia shivered and sat up.
"La, Tracy! Will you have no sense of decency?" she cried. "I suppose," she sneered, "you think to kidnap the girl?"
"Exactly," he nodded.
She gasped at the effrontery of it.
"Heavens, are you mad? Kidnap a lady! This is no peasant girl, remember. Tracy, Tracy, pray do not be foolish! How can you kidnap her?"
"That, my dear, is a point which I have not yet decided. But I do not anticipate much trouble."
"But goodness gracious me! has the child no protectors? No brothers? No father?"
"There is a father," said Tracy slowly. "He was here at the beginning of their stay. He does not signify, and, which is important, he is of those that truckle. Were I to make myself known to him, I believe I might marry the girl within an hour. But I do not want that. At least-not yet."