"Which only makes them the better material to practice on."
"Surely, I am very innocent," she said. "I thought at least a bit of
sentiment was required."
"Sentiment only endangers the game," I explained.
"But suppose the sentiment were to come suddenly--in the midst of the
'game,' as you call it?"
"Then," said I, "there is rare trouble ahead for the other party."
"But if that one also were to become--you know," she went on.
"There's an end to the flirtation; it's a different kind of game then."
"Are you quite sure there can be flirtation without sentiment?" she
persisted.
"It's the only artistic sort; and the only safe sort, too," I answered
sagely.
"And is it a pleasant game to play for a while in that fashion?" she
asked.
"Doubtless," I answered evasively; "only it is rarely done."
She went back to the roses again. "I think, cousin, I shall flirt with
you," she said suddenly.