"Permit me, madam," he said, deeply bowing, "to thank you for your extremely kind reception."
"Kind?" echoed Lady Shuttleworth, unable to stop herself from smiling.
"Yes, madam, kind, and before all things patient."
"Yes, I do think I've been rather patient," agreed Lady Shuttleworth, smiling again.
"And let me," proceeded Fritzing, "join to my thanks my congratulations on your possession of so unusually amiable and promising a son."
"Come on, sir—you'll make me vain," said Tussie, in the doorway—"'Hair like a web divine wherein is caught,'"—he hummed, getting more and more shrill and happy.
Lady Shuttleworth put out her hand impulsively. Fritzing took it, bent over it, and kissed it with much respect.
"A most unusually promising young man," he repeated; "and, madam, I can tell you it is not my habit to say a thing I do not mean."
"'The last reflection of God's daily grace'"—chirped Tussie, looking on much amused.
"No, that I'm quite certain you don't," said Lady Shuttleworth with conviction.