Arthur shrugged his shoulders, and turned to his paper.
She put on her gloves, and took up her books. Percy meeting her, as she came down the steps, said, ‘I have been introduced to your nephew.’
‘I hope you are gratified.’
‘He has almost too much countenance,’ said Percy. ‘There is something melancholy in such wistful looks from a creature that cannot speak, just as one feels with a dog.’
‘I am afraid he is very weakly,’ said Theodora.
‘I am sorry to hear it; it seems like a new life to John, and that pretty young mother looks so anxious. Do you see much of her?’
‘Not much; I have not time to join in the general Violet worship.’
‘They are not spoiling her, I hope. It does one good to see such a choice specimen of womankind.’
‘There, don’t come any further; I must make haste.’
‘Like all the rest,’ she thought; ‘not a man but is more attracted by feminine airs and graces than by sterling qualities.’