"Well, that's good," said Claudia. Edgar smiled. "No, don't you see, it's good because it shows.... All the same, its wrong to compare yourself."
"I've just been comparing myself with another man. I thought I came out of it rather well, on the whole...."
"Silly! That sort of thing's...."
"I was quite serious."
"Then you're in love. That's all I can say. And I don't want you to be in love—yet I like Patricia awfully. I'm going to see her; and I think I'm going to cure her of her fault. But if I don't cure her, then I'd sooner you didn't fall in love with her."
"I don't think we'll quite assume...."
"My dear Edgar. You can't bring a girl to this house without my realising that something's up. You'll grant that, won't you? I don't mean the ordinary inspection. Less crude than that, I hope. But none the less pretty obvious."
"I can see that it was a very incautious thing to do," admitted Edgar, solemnly.
"Therefore—" "Miaow!" cried Percy from outside the door. Claudia rose to admit him, speaking as she crossed the room. "Therefore—good-morning, Percy—I consider that I'm called on to protect you. You're fortunate in having me. Of course, mother's fallen in love with her on the spot; and hopes she will attract you."