"And now, friend," said Jessamy, addressing the small man, who danced and capered no more but stood somewhat crestfallen, "'twould be well done, I think, to ask my young friend's pardon." The which he did and I little heeding, all my looks being for Diana, who stared back at me; and meeting her clear-eyed scrutiny, I felt my cheeks flushing guiltily and turned to grip Jessamy's hand and to thank him for his trust and friendship. "But why," demanded Diana, "why did you let 'em think it was you?" Now here, having no answer ready, I adopted her own method. "Just because!" said I. CHAPTER XXVI THE ETHICS OF PRIGGING Evening was at hand, lights began to wink and flare among booths and shows, and the crowd seemed to be growing even more riotous; thus I, for one, was profoundly thankful to leave behind its roaring clamour and seek those quiet, leafy shades where the Tinker had appointed us to meet with him. "And to think," said Jessamy, as we walked on side by side, "to think as 'Firebrand Vereker' is your uncle--not to mention Sir George, as once fou't ten rounds wi' 'Buck Vibart'! To think--" "Mighty fine gentlemen, ain't they, Jess?" enquired Diana, with a toss of her shapely head. "Of the finest, Ann! Honoured by all, from the Prince down. And to think as Mr. Vereker here--" "My name is Peregrine;" said I, "indeed, I would rather you called me Perry, it is shorter." "As Mr. Perry, here--" "Perry!" I admonished. "As--Perry is their own nevvy--" "Though he don't look like it!" added Diana. "Why, that's true, Ann, that's true; but his clothes can be changed--" "But his face can't, Jess!" "Lord bless me, Ann, what's wrong wi' his face?" "Only everything!" she answered, with another disdainful gesture of her head. "I am extremely sorry that my face displeases you, Diana," said I. "So'm I!" she nodded. "Though it ain't your fault, I s'pose." "If you allude to my bruises and black eyes--" "They're nearly well," said Jessamy. "I don't!" said Diana. "Then pray what particularly displeases you in my face this evening?" I enquired. "All of it! You! Your ways! Makin' a fool o' me afore your fine uncles and them staring their proud eyes out! As if I'd ever marry--you!" At this Jessamy opened his eyes rather wide and I fancy his lips quivered slightly. "Ah, but you will, Diana!" said I. "My mind is made up." "What's that matter?" "A great deal! The whole affair is settled definitely." Here she turned on me in such flaming anger that I fell back a step in utter amazement, and Jessamy, murmuring something about "seeing if supper was ready" quickened his stride and left us together. "Why did ye do it?" she panted. "Why did ye let 'em think 't was you stole that looking-glass?" "Because it was my whim!" "Oh, I know--I know!" she cried, positively gnashing her teeth at me. "Then why trouble to ask?" "You thought 'twas me!" she cried. "You dared to think I'd stolen it. You did--you did! Ah, you're afraid to own it!"