“Oh! The usual thing!” he said.
“Are they nice people?”
“Oh, yes, nice enough. The father’s a professor.”
“That may mean anything,” said the old lady. “I’ve known some professors who were very nice people and some who were impossible. Did you see that girl that Ashley is so enthusiastic about?”
“Yes, I saw her.”
“Mrs. Pendleton tells me he’s head over heels in love with her.”
“Oh, well, you know what Ashley is. He’s always in love.”
“Is she as pretty as he imagines?”
“I don’t know what he imagines,” said her son, a little peevishly. “She’s a very attractive girl. Look here, Mother, I haven’t had any dinner.”
“Mercy me,” cried the old lady. “And it’s nearly four o’clock! Why didn’t you stay in Staten Island? Our dinner’s over and done with hours ago. Ring the bell, Gilbert!”