Every
woman likes to feel that a man would come to her at the top of his
speed. Still, it's quite possible to overdo it, and I think you'd be
better this minute of being a little less purple in the face. Are you
very thirsty?"
"I am," said Simpkins. "Anybody would be."
He spoke rather sulkily. He resented the way in which Meldon had
forced him to ride, and he did not like paying a visit to a lady, even
though he did not intend to propose to marry her, when he was covered
from head to foot with dust.
"You're not too thirsty to speak, anyhow," said Meldon. "I was afraid
you might be. It wouldn't have done if your mouth had been all parched
up like the Ancient Mariner's, just before he bit his arm and sucked
the blood. Recollect that you have to speak distinctly and slowly, as
well as persuasively. You can't expect Miss King to do all the talking
in this case. Her business is to blush and hang back."
"I've told you already," said Simpkins, "that I'm simply--"
"Don't start an argument; but take a wisp of grass and wipe as much
dust off your shoes as you can. I don't object to dusty shoes for
myself in the least, but they don't suit your style.
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