“Just the difference between cause and effect, eh, madam?� suggested the doctor delightedly, “and all ending in explosion.�
“Exactly,� said Mrs. Eaton, with an air of finality. “Diana, why in the world did you dance with him?�
“Because you and Jacob didn’t want me to,� Diana replied calmly.
Both the old men chuckled, and Mrs. Eaton reddened with anger. “You are very unnatural, Diana,� she said severely. “Jacob and I have your interests at heart. He didn’t consider the man a proper person for you to be acquainted with!�
Diana opened her lips to reply, but the colonel forestalled her, anticipating trouble. “He’s been my guest, Jinny,� he remarked placidly.
Mrs. Eaton teased her head. “You’d entertain Tom, Dick and Harry for charity’s sake, Cousin David,� she retorted; “the first time I saw him here he brought six cents in change to your daughter.�
“He’s honest, Mrs. Eaton,� said the doctor, twinkling; “he’s a Quaker.�
“I don’t know anything about Quakers,� she replied stiffly, “I never met one!� and her tone signified that she did not want to.
“Well, they’re not anarchists, Jinny!� observed the colonel; “perhaps, you’ve heard of William Penn.�
“I’m not quite a fool, David,� she retorted in exasperation.