'Neither,' I said, as I slowly moved towards the fireplace and took a seat near her. 'Nelly was entertaining you, so you did not require me.'
'But I do want you. I think you could be far more entertaining than Nelly here, because you have taken up an original rôle, and I like originality.'
I made no reply. There was a mischievous light in her eyes which warned me she meant to enjoy herself at my expense.
She lay back in her chair, put up her pince-nez, and regarded me for some minutes in silence. Then she gave a mock sigh.
'I don't see the halo, Nelly; it ought to be there—round her head, you know. I hope she isn't a sham saint!'
'You shall not tease her,' Nelly said warmly; 'she gets quite enough of that from Kenneth without your taking it up.'
'My dear child, I have no intention of teasing her. I would not presume to do so on such short acquaintance. Beyond "Good-night" and "Good-morning," I don't believe Miss Thorn and I have exchanged half a dozen words. We are going to converse agreeably together now, if you will allow us.'
'I don't think we shall find that we have much in common, Miss Willoughby,' I said, trying to speak pleasantly.
'I dare say not. I am a wicked sinner according to your standard, and you are a righteous saint; but may not sinners sometimes speak to saints? How else are they to be made better, "I want to know," as the Americans say? Do you attend chapel, Miss Thorn?'
'No,' I answered a little shortly.