“Well, then,” concluded Aunt Laura briskly, “I suppose we can call it settled that Angeline is to be the one. I’m a pretty good judge of children and from the first I took to her. Your little Polly What’s-her-name is all right, Cicely. I haven’t a word to say against her and if Angeline were not there I should certainly choose her, but, under the circumstances, I think there can be no doubt that Angeline is the child for the place.”
Miss Cissy said nothing. For a moment there was silence. Then Uncle Arthur inquired politely:
“Have any of you ever heard it suggested that appearances are sometimes supposed to be deceitful?”
They all had heard it.
Uncle Arthur nodded. “Very well. Now, have any of you ever heard it mentioned that all is not gold that glitters?”
Aunt Laura broke in with a “Don’t be absurd, Arthur,” but her husband continued without noticing the interruption, “Or that handsome is as handsome does? Good! I see you have. Now, it appears there is still another proverb for you to learn which evidently Laura’s young friend, Miss Angeline, believes to be true and which is that a broken chocolate cup in the pocket is worth two in the saucer.”
Uncle Arthur paused. In a flash there broke out a quick chorus of questions.
“Arthur, what do you mean?” from Aunt Laura.
“Won’t you please explain?” from Uncle Elliot.