“More than a hundred pounds?” said Kitty, awed. “It seems a very great sum to me. But it was quite different in your sister’s case! I mean, she is the eldest of you, and I expect your father wished her to have the very best sort of bride-clothes. Truly, I think I could contrive very well with a hundred pounds! I don’t want grand dresses, or jewels, or costly furs. Just—just one or two pretty ones, so that I need not be a dowd! Freddy, I know I am not beautiful, but don’t you think I might be passable, if I could be more in the mode?”
This appeal awoke an instant response in one whose exquisite taste was the envy of the ton. “I know what you mean,” said Freddy sympathetically. “Need a little town bronze! Give you a new touch!”
“Yes, that is it!” she said eagerly. “I knew you would understand!”
“Well, I do, and, what’s more, I’d be very happy to do anything in my power to oblige you. Dashed awkward thing to have to say, but not marriage, dear girl! We shouldn’t suit! Assure we should not! Besides, I don’t want to be married.”
She broke into a gurgle of laughter. “How can you be so absurd? Of course we should not suit! I did not mean we were to be really betrothed! Only hoaxing!”
“Oh!” said Freddy, relieved. He considered the matter for a moment, and perceived a flaw. “No, that won’t do. Bound to find ourselves in the basket. Can’t puff off an engagement, and then not get married.”
“Yes, we can! I know people often cry off!”
“Good God, Kitty, you can’t ask me to do a thing like that!” exclaimed Freddy indignantly.
“But why should you not? I assure you I shan’t take a pet, or care for it!”
“Well, I won’t do it, that’s all!” said Freddy, with unexpected firmness. “Shocking bad ton! Now, don’t start disputing about it, Kit, because it ain’t a bit of use! Good God, a pretty figure I should cut!”