"To be sure we couldn't do without her." Alison caressed the grey hair.
"I must be riding, Alison," Susan said.
Alison began to protest affectionate hospitality. Harry shook his head. "I have warned you of this, Alison. We are too conjugal. It embarasses the polite."
"I am not embarassed," said Susan, with her placid gravity. "I want to come again."
"By the fifth or sixth time, ma'am, I may feel that I am forgiven."
"I have nothing to forgive you, Mr. Boyce."
"Then you can do it the more heartily." Harry smiled and held out his hand.
"Oh." There was a faint shadow of a blush. "I did not think I should like you." She turned. "I beg your pardon, Alison."
"I beg, ma'am, you'll come teach my wife to be kind. She also is frank.
But for kindness—well, we are all sinners."
"There it is, Mr. Boyce," said Susan, holding out her hand.