"Far from it; nor do I expect to, and yet you will grant to me some degree of penetration."
"Well, to think that I should have come home to find a sphinx instead of little Madge!"
"Thank you. A sphinx is usually portrayed with at least the head of a woman."
"In this case she has one that would inspire a Greek sculptor. Perhaps in time I may discover a heart also."
"That's doubtful."
"Indeed."
"Yes, indeed."
"What far-fetched nonsense!" said Mrs. Muir, sententiously. "Madge has come back one of the best and most sensible girls in the world. Men and poets are always imagining that women are mysteries. The fact is, they are as transparent as glass when they know their own minds; when they don't, who else should know them?"
"Who indeed?" said Graydon, laughing. "Your saving clause, Mary, is as boundless as space."
"How absurd! I understand Madge perfectly, and so does Henry."