"Oh, would you? I have a notion to put you to the test, and see what would come of your fine promises. I suppose I, in turn, should be expected to follow the child's example, simply to save your feelings, after you had so inconvenienced yourself, and betake myself to dolls' housekeeping, too."
"Why not do it in reality—on a larger scale?" retorted Ralph, who had the propensity for turning things to his own advantage. Adelina said nothing. Ralph, feeling that he had possibly scored in his favor, continued to expatiate on the pleasures of housekeeping.
"I do not think that your experience can quite justify you in giving an opinion on the subject," replied Adelina, congratulating herself on not letting him have everything his own way.
"No; but experience teaches, and how am I to gain it alone? I am very docile, dear, and quite willing to learn of you."
Adelina softened visibly. "Perhaps," she said, thoughtfully, "if you had me to take care of you, you would be more prudent concerning your health."
"I am sure I would," eagerly. "Even Dr. Ellis says I am not careful enough."
"Why do you say even Dr. Ellis? It would be more exact to say Dr. Ellis, together with all rational beings, believes that of you."
"But you see I do not flatter myself that all rational beings do think of me," returned Ralph. "If you think of me, it does not seem to signify whether the rest do or not."
"How ungrateful to the rest of your friends!" she cried, wilfully misunderstanding him.