"What do you mean?"
"Yes; Patty was pretty hostile at first,—though she came round all right, later. Elise was,—oh, well, you know Elise's attitude toward me."
"Don't mind her,—she's always got a chip on her shoulder!"
"Betty was reserving decision, too; and but for the strong support of you and Cousin William,—yes, and Ray Gale,—I shouldn't have come off so well. But I deserved any fate. I have been bad,—and though I am sorry,—that doesn't wipe it all out."
"It does, as far as I'm concerned. And I'm all that matters—at least,—I wish I might be all that matters."
"My gracious! There are lots who matter more than you! Patty and Bill, and Fleurette and—"
"Stop there! That's all! I'll concede those,—but no others. Don't you dare say that Gale matters more than I do!"
"Ray Gale? Oh, I don't know. And what do you mean by 'matters'?"
"Counts. Makes a difference. Affects you. Means something to you."
"Oh, hold on! I'm floundering beyond my depth! Help! help!"