Ragna's eyes sparkled mischievously,
"I believe I should make a better cicerone than you, if it comes to that!"
"Oh, that is quite beside the point! It is unspeakably barbarian to insist on guide-book accuracy. I shall supply what is much more important: the atmosphere."
"That is what Fröken Hagerup says she is absorbing."
"She will never know anything about it. Haven't I told you it takes two to see it?"
"How so? One to pour it out and one to drink it in?"
"I didn't remember you so flippant—have you lost all respect for your elders?"
"The child is ready to learn," said Ragna, assuming an expression of becoming meekness. Indeed she hardly recognised her sedate self in this new and agreeable sensation of buoyancy.
"Now," said Prince Mirko, changing his tone, "where shall I meet you again? This afternoon—"
"Is out of the question; I must go out with Fru Bjork and Astrid."