Jean chimed out the gayest laugh in the world. 'Bless me! am I such a chicken?'
'Twenty-four used not to be so young, but it's become so.'
'Yes, we don't grow up so quick,' she agreed merrily. 'But, on the other hand, we stay up longer.'
'You've got what's vulgarly called "looks," my dear,' said her uncle, 'and that will help to keep you up.'
'I know what Uncle John's thinking,' she turned on him with a pretty air of challenge. 'But I'm not the only girl who's been left "what's vulgarly called" money.'
'You're the only one of our immediate circle who's been left so beautifully much.'
'Ah! but remember, Geoffrey could—everybody knows he could have married any one in England.'
'I am afraid everybody does know it,' said her ladyship, faintly ironic, 'not excepting Mr. Stonor.'
'Well, how spoilt is the great man?' inquired Lord John, mischievously.
'Not the least little bit in the world. You'll see! He so wants to know my best-beloved relations better.' She stopped to bestow another embrace on Lady John. 'An orphan has so few belongings, she has to make the most of them.'