‘Why, poor child, she has plenty of sense, but it is not doing her justice to call her a woman. She is too fine a creature to come early to her full growth—she is a woman in judgment and a child in spirits.’
‘So, Arthur has the best of the bargain.’
‘He does not half understand her; but they are very much attached, and some day she will feel her influence and use it.’
‘Form herself first, and then him. I hope Mark Gardner will keep out of the way during the process.’
‘He is safe in Paris.’
‘And how have you been spending the summer?’
‘I have been at Ventnor, getting through the Crusaders, and keeping house with Violet and her child, who both wanted sea air.’
‘What’s her name?’
‘Violet.’
‘Well, that beats all! Violet! Why, Vi’let was what they called the old black cart-horse! I hope the child is Cowslip or Daisy!’