“Oh, yes, you do,” he contradicted, “and don't you be getting cross at your Cousin Lorando Bean! You know I always loved to tease you; it made your eyes snap—and it does now.”
“How can you?” She looked reproachfully at him.
“And I tell you this, Cousin Jule: neither of those girls will ever get up a color like that!”
She shook her head, but she was not displeased. He took out a fat chocolate-colored cigar and fingered it wistfully.
“I suppose I mustn't smoke?” he queried.
Her quick answer surprised herself.
“I should hope you could, if that woman can!”
“Which one?”
“That Mrs. Ranger, the one near the samovar—that big brass thing. Liz—Elise didn't introduce her to you. They don't introduce people the way they do at home, Cousin Lorando—I hope you didn't mind. They think it's awkward.”
“Oh, Lord, no, I don't mind. I can spare her, anyway. She's checked up too high for me. But she can look you through pretty thoroughly, can't she?”