"I should find dullness itself interesting with you as my fellow observer of it."
"Right gallantly said, kind sir," said Miss Sudie, with an exaggerated curtsy. "But if you're going to make pretty speeches I'll get impudent directly. I'm dreadfully given to it anyhow, and I've a notion to say one impudent thing right now."
"Pray do. I pardon you in advance."
"Well, then, what makes you say 'Virginian housekeepers?'"
"What else should I say?"
"Why, Virginia housekeepers, of course, like anybody else."
"But 'Virginia' is not an adjective, cousin. You would not say 'England housekeepers' or 'France housekeepers,' would you?" asked Robert.
"No, but I would say 'New York housekeepers,' 'Massachusetts housekeepers,' or 'New Jersey housekeepers,' and so I say 'Virginia housekeepers,' too. I reckon you would find it a little troublesome to carry out your rule, wouldn't you, Cousin Robert?"
"I am fairly beaten, I own; and in consideration of my frank acknowledgment of defeat, perhaps you will permit me to be a trifle impudent."
"After that gallant speech you made just now, I can hardly believe such a thing possible. But let me hear you try, please."