"They had a delightful passage, and seem to be as happy as two human beings can be."
"Nay, that we know is impossible."
"Well, nearly as happy, let us say. Doris found my letter awaiting her at Bombay,—not the one that told of your 'Double First'; but she was delighted to hear that we had all passed. She did not in the least believe that Lucy would."
"Trust Miss Reynolds not to fail! One would as soon expect her to do brilliantly."
"Doris says I am not to forget to tell her whether Maggie's soups and sauces satisfy my lord and master."
He laughed. "I seem to recognise Miss Colquhoun in that last expression. What does Auntie Bell say?"
"She would dearly like to come and visit us in London; but her husband seems to be breaking up, and she has everything to superintend on the farm; so she 'maun e'en pit her mind past it, in the meantime.' You will be interested to hear that Matilda Cookson has carried her point. She goes up for her Preliminary Examination in July; and, if she passes, she is to join the Edinburgh School in October."
"You are a wonderful woman."
"Oh, by the way, Ralph, they are having an impromptu dance at the hotel to-night."
His face clouded. "Do you like dancing?" he asked.