"Let her overflow, only nowhere near me."
"Don't say that. She'll settle down under the responsibilities of life. Do you remember my cousin Bertram King?"
"Oh, yes. The long-legged, light-haired fellow that aids and abets my brother in overworking."
"That's the very one. I must tell you that he's heart and soul in love with Linda."
"H'm. I suppose so. I only wish she'd marry him and live out on Sheridan Road somewhere, then I could live with my brother and take care of him winters. He'd get some care then. Are they engaged?"
"Oh, no. She's just out of school. He hasn't asked her yet."
"What's the matter with him? Is he the kind with boiled macaroni for a backbone?"
"No, Bertram's backbone is all right. He wanted to let her get out of school. He has no relations but me. He had to confide in somebody."
"Well, he'll get all that's coming to him if he marries her." Miss Barry sniffed. "I guess if there was a prize offered for arrogance she'd get it. I speak plain because you're fond of her, and you're aware that you know her much better than I do, so I couldn't set you against her even if I wanted to; and I need somebody to confide in too."
Mrs. Porter smiled. "You'll change your tune some day. Linda has lots of goods that aren't in the show window."