I felt that I now knew this girl so well that I could say anything toher. "Very well, then," said I; "suppose I fall in love with you?"

"That isn't a somewhat nice speech," she said. "There is a little bit ofspitefulness in it. But it doesn't mean anything, anyway. I am out ofthe competition, and that is the reason I can speak to you so freely.Moreover, that is the reason I know so much about the matter. I am notbiassed. But you need have no trouble--there's Amy."

"Don't say Amy to me, I beg of you!" I exclaimed.

"Why not?" she persisted. "She is fairly pretty. She is as good as shecan be. She is rich. And if she were your wife you would want her totalk more than she does, you would be so glad to listen to her. Imight say more about Amy, but I won't."

"Would it be fairly impolite," said I, "if I whistled?"