"Indeed! Six or eight I should say, and nearer the latter than the former."
"That sounds like jealousy."
"Oh, no, it does not!" said Miss Tyler. "I care nothing for Sir Edward, beyond the fact that he is an agreeable partner. Indeed, I do not care enough to flirt with him."
"Nor I," said Miss Falconer.
"Well, girls, I am glad to hear you say so," Miss Stirling observed, "for I intend to flirt with him outrageously."
"Last night, for instance?" said Miss Tyler.
"Last night was only a beginning."
"So far as I observed," said Miss Falconer, "Sir Edward is ready to meet you more than half way."
Miss Stirling laughed. "Such was my observation, too. At the same time, I observed that young Mr. Marbury was exceedingly attentive," looking at Miss Tyler.
"To me, do you mean? Perhaps—but it has gone on so long as not to occasion comment. I am sorry for George—a nice fellow but with impossible parents."