"I didn't wink." This in a plainly indignant, if muffled tone-
too muffled for me. So:

"I beg your pardon," said I. A little hand appeared and pulled
the rug away from a small white nose and a mouth whose lips were
paler than they should be. But it was a dear mouth.

"I said I didn't wink."

"So you did. I don't mean you did, you know. I mean, I know you
said you didn't. I'm not sure I've got it right now."

"Never mind. I've only one brain, and at this hour of night- "

"The vitality of the human frame is at its lowest ebb. Exactly.
That's why you must let me get you out of this as quick as
possible."

"Oh, but I don't think- I mean- "

"My dear Eve, I know you come of an old-fashioned family- look at
your father- but Convention's going by the board to-night. I'm
staying at an inn about nine miles away. We'll be there under
the half-hour. There's supper and a fire waiting for us, Why,
yes, and you can have Jill's room. Of course, there'll be a fire
there, too, and everything ready. You see- "

Hurriedly I explained the situation. When I had finished:

"But what'll the inn people think?" she said, with big eyes.