There was another pause, during which the blackbird performed three or four difficult arias with astonishing ease and precision. 

 "Aunt Agatha is fond of roses, too!" said Lisbeth at last very gravely. "Poor, dear Aunt, I wonder what she would say if she could see us now?" 

 "Such things are better left to the imagination," I answered. 

 "I ought to write and tell her," murmured Lisbeth. 

 "But you won't do that, of course?" 

 "No, I won't do that if—" 

 "Well?" 

 "If you will give me—them." 

 "One," I demurred. 

 "Both!" 

 "On one condition then—just once, Lisbeth?" 

 Her lips were very near, her lashes drooped, and for one delicious moment she hesitated. Then I felt a little tug at my coat pocket and springing to her feet she was away with "them" clutched in her hand. 

 "Trickery!"  I cried, and started in pursuit. 

 There is a path through the woods leading to the Shrubbery at Pane Court. Down this she fled, and her laughter came to me on the wind. I was close upon her when she reached the gate, and darting through, turned, flushed but triumphant. 

 "I've won!"   she mocked, nodding her head at me. 

 "Who can cope with the duplicity of a woman?" I retorted!  "But, Lisbeth, you will give me one—just one?" 

 "It would spoil the pair." 

 "Oh, very well," I sighed, "good night, Lisbeth," and lifting my cap I turned away. 

 There came a ripple of laughter be hind me, something struck me softly upon the cheek, and stooping, I picked up that which lay half unrolled at my feet, but when I looked round Lisbeth was gone. 

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