“Not especially, but I don’t enjoy being snubbed.”
“But suppose Jimmy—”
“He doesn’t.”
“How do you know?”
“By living with him. Jimmy’s only interest in life is to make safety devices for machinery.”
Kate reflected. “I owe everything to Susan Endicott Hogg, and I have a duty toward the Ferrys, but I have some sympathy with young folks.”
“Miss Kate, I told Mrs. Hogg that you’re the most wonderful teacher that ever lived.”
“That will do, Marvin.”
“I don’t flatter.”
“Don’t flatter yourself that you don’t. For your age, you’re the worst I ever knew. But that is just the point. I will write to Mrs. Ferry that the young man amuses Gratia, and that his enthusiasms succeed each other rapidly.”