He mused pleasantly for a time.
“I shall take a note-book,” he said, “and several coloured pencils.”
He continued to meditate. His next remark came after an interval of three or four minutes, and was a surprise for Christina Alberta.
“I hope, my dear,” said Mr. Preemby, “that among all these artists and people you are not getting Ram Shackle.
“I should be sorry to think you were getting Ram Shackle,” said Mr. Preemby.
“But Daddy, what makes you think I may be getting—Ram Shackle?” asked Christina Alberta.
“One or two little things I saw at the Mew,” said Mr. Preemby. “Just one or two little things. You’ve got to be careful, Christina Alberta. A girl has to take care of herself. And your friends—decidedly Ram Shackle. Don’t mind my making a remark about them, Christina Alberta. Just a word in season.”
Christina Alberta’s answer came after a little interval, and without her usual confident ring. “Don’t you worry about me, Daddy,” she said. “I’m all right.”
Mr. Preemby seemed about to change the subject. Then he remarked, “I don’t like that feller, Teddy Winterton. He’s too familiar.”
“I don’t like him either,” said Christina Alberta. “He is too familiar.”