"Flatterers, madam?" said Ralph, laughing, "that is true of some of us, but not of me; I am so perfectly sincere, and clad in the simplicity of my nature to that degree, that what I say is the pure out-gushing of my heart—ahem!"
The lady smiled, and motioned toward a settee.
"The beauties of nature—"
"Yes, my dear madam."
"Are—ahem!"
"Yes, yes."
"So much more beautiful than those of art," sighed Miss Sallianna, contemplating the ceiling, as though nature had taken up her post there to be gazed at.
"I fully agree with you," said Ralph, "they are."
"Oh, yes—they are—I knew you would—you are so—so remarkable—"
"No, no, Miss Sallianna!"