Patty realised the appropriateness of this phrase, and cudgelled her brain for an appropriate reply. She began to think that playing grown-up was a more difficult game than she had supposed. Had she had on her own simple little frock, Mr. Merivale would not have talked to her like that.
“Don’t you remember last season,” he went on, “when Lady Herenden had a real pond, with gold fish in the middle of the table, and ferns and water lilies round the edge?”
“I wasn’t here last season,” said Patty. “I have never been in England until this summer.”
“Indeed? I know you are an American, but you have really an English manner.”
“It’s acquired,” said Patty, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. “I find my American manner isn’t admired over here, so I assume London airs.”
“Ah, you wish to be admired?”
“Of all things!” declared naughty Patty, with a roguish glance at the jesting young man.
“You’ll probably get your wish,” he replied. “I’m jolly well ready to do my share.”
This brought the colour to Patty’s cheeks, and she turned slightly away, toward the man on her other side.
He was a slightly older man than Mr. Merivale and was the squire of an adjoining estate. He was quite ready to talk to his American neighbour, and began the conversation by asking her if she had yet seen Lady Herenden’s rose-orchard.