“Well, I would not,” said she, looking him full and steadfastly in the face. “Then that means you never cared very much for any one?” “If I remember aright, you were engaged as a gardener, not as father confessor. Now, you are really not very expert at the former; but you 'll make sad work of the latter.” “You have not a very exalted notion of my tact, Miss Dill.” “I don't know,--I'm not sure; I suspect you have at least what the French call 'good dispositions.' You took to your wheelbarrow very nicely, and you tried to dig--as little like a gentleman as need be.” “Well, if this does not bate Banagher, my name is n't Darby!” exclaimed a rough voice, and a hearty laugh followed his words. “By my conscience, Miss Polly, it's only yerself could do it; and it's truth they say of you, you 'd get fun out of an archdaycon!” Conyers flung away his spade, and shook the mould from his boots in irritation. “Come, don't be cross,” said she, slipping her arm within his, and leading him away; “don't spoil a very pleasant little adventure by ill humor. If these melons come to good, they shall be called after you. You know that a Duke of Montmartre gave his name to a gooseberry; so be good, and, like him, you shall be immortal.” “I should like very much to know one thing,” said he, thoughtfully. “And what may that be?” “I 'd like to know,--are you ever serious?” “Not what you would call serious, perhaps; but I 'm very much in earnest, if that will do. That delightful Saxon habit of treating all trifles with solemnity I have no taste for. I'm aware it constitutes that great idol of English veneration, Respectability; but we have not got that sort of thing here. Perhaps the climate is too moist for it.” [Illustration: 276] “I 'm not a bit surprised that the Colonel fell in love with you,” blurted he out, with a frank abruptness. “And did he,--oh, really did he?” “Is the news so very agreeable, then?” “Of course it is. I 'd give anything for such a conquest. There 's no glory in capturing one of those calf elephants who walk into the snare out of pure stupidity; but to catch an old experienced creature who has been hunted scores of times, and knows every scheme and artifice, every bait and every pitfall, there is a real triumph in that.” “Do I represent one of the calf elephants, then?” “I cannot think so. I have seen no evidence of your capture--not to add, nor any presumption of my own--to engage in such a pursuit. My dear Mr. Conyers,” said she, seriously, “you have shown so much real kindness to the brother, you would not, I am certain, detract from it by one word which could offend the sister. We have been the best of friends up to this; let us part so.” The sudden assumption of gravity in this speech seemed to disconcert him so much that he made no answer, but strolled along at her side, thoughtful and silent. “What are you thinking of?” said she, at last.