“That holds good, too. But, gracious Heavens, child, don’t pile up your adjectives in that mountainous fashion, or you’ll reflect no credit on my most careful training and tuition.”
“All rights Govvie,” cried Nidia, with a peal of merry laughter—the point of the allusion being that prior to her marriage Susie Bateman had been a combination of companion and governess to the girl she was now chaperoning; in fact, was a distant relation to boot. “But the said careful training was such a long time ago. I’m beginning to forget it.”
“Long time ago!”
“Yes, it was. In the days of my youth. I am in my twenty-fourth year, remember. Is that nothing?”
“Of course it’s nothing. But—what were we talking about?”
“Oh, John Ames, as usual.”
“As usual—yes. But, Nidia, isn’t it rather rough on the man? He’s sure to end by falling in love with you.”
Again the girl laughed, but this time she changed colour ever so slightly.
“To end by it! That’s not very complimentary to my transcendent fascinations, O Susie. He ought to begin by it. But—to be serious—perfectly serious—he isn’t that sort.”
“I’m not by any means sure. Why should you think so?”