“Of course not You just did it because you are accustomed to space, and there is no space allowed in Lady Anne’s drawing-room. Oh! I shall tell Dick to-night, and Guy.”
“Who are they, please?”
“My brothers. Won’t they roar? Well, my dear, she’ll never say a word to you or your step-mother; she’ll never say a word to anybody; but I shouldn’t be a bit surprised if the doctor was summoned to-night. She has had a sort of shock; but she won’t show it, for it’s considered underbred for any one to show anything.”
“Oh, what an appalling life to lead!”
“I lead it—at least I generally do; it is only now and then that I can give myself away. You dear, refreshing young soul, how you have cheered me up! I was so loathing the thought of this afternoon of visits. But now, do tell me something more! Are you always doing outré things? If I could only convey you to our house and send you sprawling round, it would be such fun!”
“I know you are laughing at me,” I said.
“Well, yes, I am and I am not. But there! tell me about yourself.”
“I have nothing to tell; I am just a plain girl.”
“However plain, you are delicious—delicious! How old are you?”
“I shall be sixteen in May.”