“That is all in the paper,” said Risley—“what she said to the men.”
Robert made an impatient move.
“If ever there was a purely normal outgrowth, a perfect flower of her birth and environments and training, that girl is one,” said Risley, with an accent of admiration.
“She is infected with the ranting idiocy of those with whom she has been brought in daily contact,” said Robert; but even as he spoke he seemed to see the girl's dear young face, and his voice faltered.
“Even as you may be infected with the conservatism of those with whom you are brought in contact,” said Risley, dryly.
“What a democrat you are, Risley!” said Robert, impatiently. “I believe you would make a good walking delegate.”
Risley laughed. “I think I would myself,” he said. “Wouldn't she listen to you, Robert?”
“She listened with such utter dissent that she might as well have been dumb. It is all over between us, Risley.”
“How precipitate you are, you young folks!” said the other, good-humoredly.
“How precipitate? Do you mean to say—?”