"And as I have more experience than you," said Miss Lavinia, grimly—"more knowledge of the wiles of men, I consider it my duty to direct your conduct."
"Yes, ma'am," said Redbud, seeing the wall closing round her inexorably.
"If, then, you would spare Verty suffering, as well as yourself, you will gradually place your relations on a different basis."
"On—a—dif—ferent—basis," said Redbud; "Yes, ma'am."
"It may be done," said Miss Lavinia; "and do not understand me, child, to counsel an abrupt and violent breaking off of all the ties between yourself and this young man."
"No, ma'am."
"You may do it gradually; make your demeanor toward him calmer at every interview—if he must come—do not have so many confidential conversations—never call him 'Verty'"—
"Oh, ma'am!" said Redbud, "but I can't call him Mr. Verty."
"Don't call him anything," said the astute enemy of the male sex, "and gradually add 'sir' to the end of your observations. In this manner, Redbud, you may place your relations on an entirely different footing."
"Yes, ma'am!"