“She introduced herself, and that’s not woman’s prerogative.”
“It might be, under some circumstances,” said Adele with some asperity. “I know what you mean, however; go on.”
“I thought she held herself very cheap,” said Paul. “I never could recognize, as a friend, one who undervalued herself.”
“Oh, dear, I never would have thought it! was she that sort of person?” exclaimed Adele. “She didn’t look at all commonplace, not with that stylish turn-out and liveried bearers.”
Paul laughed again; he couldn’t help it.
“I don’t see anything funny,” said Adele, as they moved towards an old stump, took a seat under the trees, and sat looking forward between the crimson rhododendrons, towards the Celestial scenery beyond.
“Adele, unfortunately she didn’t pay for the style herself,” remarked Paul, sub rosa; then correcting himself: “Yes, she did, too!—no! she didn’t, either!—oh, bosh! you know what I mean.”
This only made Adele more pointedly inquisitive.
“What are you talking about? Who did? her husband, I suppose.”
“No, luckily she has none.”