"Nonsense, Bertie! she is Freddy's governess. You must not begin to talk absurdity to her; you will annoy Edward."
"He don't object to fair faces on his own account."
"Well, this particular one is more bother than pleasure to him. You know his horror of 'danglers'; he is afraid of aimless flirtations with Bluebell, who, being also Cecil's companion, is constantly in the drawing-room."
"Ah, my beloved niece," said Captain Du Meresq, as he gave Cecil considerable support from the ice to the platform.
"What has given us this unexpected treat?" said she, with a warmer hue than usual in her clear, pale cheek.
"My anxiety to see your new companion."
"Whose existence, I suppose, you have just heard of."
"It has been my loss," retorted he. "Fascinating young creature! The name Bluebell just describes those wild hyacinth eyes."
"Oh! Bertie," said his sister and Cecil together, "how absurd you are about girls."
"And then," persisted he, "that charming tawny hair and milk white skin."