“The metropolis is different,” said Cheriton. “I regret to say it harbors every known form of wickedness.”
Miss Perry’s eyes opened so wide that they seemed to magnetize my lord.
“Are there r-r-robbers?”
“A great number. They lurk in every thoroughfare. If you are really unacquainted with the vast metropolis I urgently recommend advice and protection.”
“How splendid!” said Miss Perry. “I shall write to tell Muffin.”
“Would it be an unpardonable curiosity if one inquired who is Muffin?”
“My sister, don’t you know; her name is Elizabeth really. But we call her Muffin because she is rather a ragamuffin.”
“Your family appears to be a singularly interesting one, if one may presume to form an estimate.”
“Papa says we are none of us very bright, but we are all of us very healthy, except Doggo, who has had the mange twice.”
My lord found it necessary to repeat the dictum of Miss Perry’s papa. He then sat down beside her in a truly paternal manner.