"Here's Lady Richardson and Sir Billy," she said with a frown, for her companion's benefit. "So horrid, to interrupt our nice conversation!"
"We can pass them," replied Hengist, decidedly pleased.
"Oh, I don't think so," was Leah's quick reply. "It would look rude; and then, Fanny Richardson never passes any one who will listen to her prattle of chiffons. Besides, Billy is a nice boy--quite a little man. Don't you think so?"
"Too much a man for his years," said her companion, austerely. "I do not like Chesterfields in their teens. The lad's manners are too good--much too good."
"Can any child be much too good?"
"In the wrong way of over-artificiality, yes. Sir William----"
"He likes to be called Sir Billy!"
"So flippant. His mother should insist----"
"She! She never insists on anything, except having the newest dye and the best-cut frock, and a few dozen male ears to pour her babble into. Billy can do no wrong in her eyes, nor in mine. He is such an admirer of women."
"And at the age of thirteen," groaned Hengist.