“As to that, it is not yet decided. Describe to me your mother! Is she like you?”
“No, not at all.”
“ Tant mieux! What, then, is she like?”
“Well,” said Sir Tristram lamely, “I don’t think I know how to describe her. She will be very kind to you, I know.”
“But what does she do?” demanded Eustacie. “Does she amuse herself at Bath? Is she gay?”
“Hardly. She does not enjoy good health, you see.”
“Oh!” Eustacie digested this. “No parties?”
“I believe she enjoys card parties.”
Eustacie grimaced expressively. “Me, I know those card parties. I think she plays Whist, and perhaps Commerce.”
“I dare say she does. I know of no reason why she should not,” said Shield rather stiffly.