"Aunty, this is the gentleman I told you about. Isn't it terrible?"
"Terrible? I should call it wholly enchanting. Sir, you will pardon the child for her wildness. My nephew doesn't know as much as his celebrated horses. Now, go ahead and talk while I look over the audience."
If only all elderly ladies were as thoughtful!
"And I have read your books; I have witnessed your play!" Miss Berkeley said.
"Thursday, after four?"
"No. Everybody calls then. Come Wednesday."
"I have a confession to make," said I. "You dropped a rose on the floor last night. I stole it. Must I return it to you?"
"I never do anything without a purpose," was all she said.
So I kept the rose.