CHAPTER XIII.
VERTY EXPRESSES A DESIRE TO IMITATE MR. JINKS.
The voice which they heard first was that of Mr. Jinks; and that gentleman was apparently engaged in the pleasant occupation of complimenting a lady.
"Fairest of your sex!" said the enthusiastic Mr. Jinks, "how can I express the delight which your presence inspires me with—ahem!"
The sound of a fan coming in contact with a masculine hand was heard, and a mincing voice replied:—
"Oh, you are a great flatterer, Mr. Jinks. You are really too bad. Let us view the beauties of nature."
"They are not so lovely as those beauties which I have been viewing since I saw you, my dearest Miss Sallianna."
("That's old Scowley's sister, he said so," whispered Verty.)
"Really, you make me blush," replied the mincing and languishing voice—"you men are dreadful creatures!"
"Dreadful!"