‘No; she is at Elberthal, in Germany, with a friend.’
‘How old is she?’
‘Sixteen.’
‘Is she pretty?’
‘She is considered beautiful, I believe.’
‘Like you at all?’ inquired Miss Shuttleworth, with a treacherous suavity in her tones.
Jerome burst out laughing, and Nita blushed fiercely.
‘Oh, aunt, how uncomfortable you make me!’ she exclaimed vehemently.
Miss Shuttleworth made no reply, then Nita went on:
‘I hope it is not rude of me, but are you and your sister alone in the world?’