On the present occasion, after uttering a number of these "hums!"
Fanny embodied her feelings in words, and replied:
"I think, Ralph, you are the most impudent gentleman I have ever known, and you wrong me. I wonder how you got such bad manners; at Williamsburg, I reckon. Hum! If you wait until I marry you—!"
"I shall never repent the delay?" asked Ralph—"is that what you mean? Well, I don't believe I shall. But a truce to jesting, my charming cousin. You spoke of Williamsburg, and my deterioration of manners, did you not?"
"Yes!"
"I can prove that I have not deteriorated."
"Try, then."
"No, I would have to read all this book, which is full of compliments,
Fanny; that would take all day. Besides, I am too modest."
"Oh!" laughed Fanny, who had recovered her good humor.
"Let us hear, Mr. Ralph," said Redbud, smiling.
"Yes—let us see how the odious, college students write and talk," added Fanny, laughing.