"In all manner of ways; riding, rambling, botanizing, sketching, and looking after father."
"My niece is a Miss Crichton. She has all the accomplishments," said Mrs. Mornington.
"Oh, aunt! that is a dreadful character to give me. It means that I do nothing well!"
Allan had asked her for a dance, and there had been an examination of her programme, which showed only one blank.
"Auntie told me to keep that waltz," she said. "I don't know why."
"I do. It was kept for me. I am the favoured one."
"But why?" she asked naïvely. "Why you more than any one else?"
"Who can say? Will you call me vain if I tell you that I think I am a favourite with your aunt?"
She looked at him laughingly, with a glance that asked a question.
"You don't see any reason why I should be preferred," said Allan, interpreting her look; "but remember there never is any reason for such preferences. Clever women are full of prejudices."