If there was sarcasm in his words, Miss Framley, who was not over sharp, except in money matters, did not perceive it.
"I always try to be considerate," she responded, complacently. "But, as you were saying, it is very singular Miss Dearborn should pay so much attention to a man in his sphere of life."
"I think it was you who said it, Miss Framley; however, I am disposed to agree with you."
"And then she selects him as her first escort, and lowers herself, as one may say, to his level."
"Perhaps she feels a special interest in him," suggested Major Ashton.
There was a suspicion of jealousy in his tone as he said this.
"Oh, dear, no! That would be too ridiculous. She may feel a patronizing interest in him, and think it will do him good in the way of business to pay him attention. Grace is so quixotic, you know, Major Ashton."
Grace would have been amazed had she heard herself spoken of so familiarly by a young lady to whom she had hardly spoken a dozen words in her life.
"I suppose you are quite intimate with her?" said Miss Framley's escort, pointedly.
"Why, no; I can't say we are intimate," said Miss Framley, slowly; "although, of course, I know her very well."