"Very true, my dear," returned Eugenia, who viewed things generally from a material standpoint. "Quite correct sentiments, but I have sometimes noticed that incidental fortunes are not necessarily a bar to matrimony. Usually they are the reverse. And Captain Morris himself is irreproachable."
"I know that he's nice and all that," said Maud, "and has charming manners. I expect his regiment will remain here for a long time yet, as all the troops have been ordered to the front, so I shall have ample opportunities of seeing him again."
"Well, my impression is that he is the best of the lot, and when desirous of winning your hand you should give him the chance——"
"Of winning my heart?"
"Certainly. Another thing, it is not a bit fair to entangle so many men, and then throw them overboard one after another."
"But, my dear, I don't wish to entangle them. If they cannot control themselves it is surely not my fault."
"Don't talk nonsense, Maud. You know very well it is not your face that does it."
"'Pon my word, am I so ugly as all that?" interrupted Maud, with seeming surprise.
"It is your manner and what they call your character," said Eugenia, with attempted severity.
"Well, Eugenia, I wish you'd leave me to myself. I really like them all. I can tell you candidly that I have not positively refused any of them, and they are still my friends."