“The most uncommon of qualities, my dear,” laughed Mrs. Knapp. “Sit down, children. I must see to Mr. Carter, who is lost by the portière and will never be discovered unless I rescue him.”
“Take him to dear Aunt Julia,” said Luella as her mother left us.
“Dear Aunt Julia,” I inferred, was Mrs. Bowser.
I was certain that Mr. Carter would not find the demands of conversation too much for him if he was blest with the company of that charming dame.
Luella took a seat, and I followed her example. Then, with chin in hand and elbow on the arm of her chair, the young woman looked at me calmly and thoughtfully.
I grew a little uncomfortable as my self-possession melted away before this steady gaze. I had no observations to make, being uncertain about the weather, so I had the prudence to keep silent.
“Well,” said Luella at last, in a cutting voice, “why don't you talk?”
“It's your lead,” said I gloomily. “You took the last trick.”
At this reference to our meeting, Luella looked surprised. Then she gave a little rippling laugh.
“Really,” she said, “I believe I shall begin to like you, yet.”