"Come and sit by me on this sofa," indicating a place, "and let us get to know one another better."
As he accepted her invitation, she added with a significant smile:
"Fred has told me all about you: I am quite what is called 'in the know,' and I can keep a secret."
"What do you think of my venture?" he enquired.
"It's the most generous and romantic I've ever known, resembling, though in a different spirit, the impulse that carried the flower of England to the Crusades; but I'm afraid you will have the same ending—failure."
"Ah, I'm sorry to see you won't encourage me, Mrs. Tallboys."
"You are to call me Fanny; you and Fred are cousins, and cousins hold on to one another out here. Now I want to tell you, that as long as you are in India you are to look upon our house as your head-quarters—and home."
"Oh, thank you—you are most awfully kind, but I must not settle down to enjoy myself, until I've accomplished what you call my crusade."
"At any rate, you need not embark yet awhile! Surely you can spare us a few weeks?" Then diplomatically changing the subject, "I saw you looking at my china and curios!"
"Yes, I'm no judge, but you seem to have a wonderful collection."