"Not a—very well, sir—a schoolmistress—only—indeed!" said Miss
Sallianna, with dignity.
Verty was too little acquainted with the expression of concentrated feeling to understand these words, and smiling,
"Then," he said, "there was another reason—"
"For what, sir?" said Miss Sallianna, with great dignity.
"For my not being very particular."
"Please state it, sir."
"Yes, ma'am."
The lady sniffed with indignation.
"I meant," said Verty, "that as you had very few beaux here—I believe you call 'em beaux—I could come so. I know that Mr. Jinks comes, but he is too fierce to be agreeable, and is not very nice, I should think."
Miss Sallianna darted a glance of scorn at the unlucky Verty, which would have transfixed that gentleman; but unfortunately he did not see it.