“Hear him,” said the artistic Netty. “All his geese are swans. What a ridiculous papa it is!”
“Go back to your easel, girl,” exclaimed Pompilard. “Cecil and I are talking business.”
“And that reminds me,” said Netty, “I came to say that Mr. Maloney is in the parlor, and wants to see you.”
“Has the rascal found me out so soon?” muttered Pompilard. “I supposed I had dodged him.”
“Dodged Mr. Maloney, dear? What harm has he ever committed?” asked Mrs. Pompilard, in surprise.
“No harm, perhaps; but he’s the most persistent of duns.”
“Is he dunning you now, my love?”
“Yes, all the time.”
“Do you owe him much?”
“Not a cent, confound him!”