“I can’t, indeed.”
“Some Jezebel, no doubt,” was Mr. Smith’s verdict.
“I was wondering about that. Will you let me speak with—er—professional plainness?”
“Of course,” said Rose, opening her brown eyes.
The doctor smiled at her. It was for the sake of Uncle Alfred’s possible susceptibilities that he thus prepared the way. Between Rose and himself, he knew well enough that no artificial barriers to fullness and sincerity of speech could exist.
“About women. Has Cecil had any experiences of that sort at all, so far as you know?”
“None,” said Rose instantly.
Uncle Alfred made a slightly derisive sound, and she turned upon him.
“Oh, I know he wouldn’t tell me about it, if he had. But there are a few things that a boy’s mother knows by instinct, and that’s one of them. And I know that Ces, so far, is as inexperienced in that particular way as any baby.”
“I think you’re probably quite right,” said Dr. Lucian.