"Yet they seem to be numerous," remarked the Dean.
"Not at all!" cried Kitty, with an air of offence; "not at all! If they were numerous they would, of course, be popular."
"And in fact they are rare—and detested? What other characteristics have they?"
"Courage," said Kitty, looking up.
"Courage to break rules? I hear they all call one another by their Christian names, and live in one another's rooms, and borrow one another's money, and despise conventionalities. I am sorry you are an Archangel, Lady Kitty."
"I didn't admit that I was," said Kitty, "but if I am, why are you sorry?"
"Because," said the Dean, smiling, "I thought you were too clever to despise conventionalities."
Kitty sat up with revived energy, and joined battle. She flew into a tirade as to the dulness and routine of English life, the stupidity of good people, and the tyranny of English hypocrisy. The Dean listened with amusement, then with a shade of something else. At last he got up to go.
"Well, you know, we have heard all that before. My point of view is so much more interesting—subtle—romantic! Anybody can attack Mrs. Grundy, but only a person of originality can adore her. Try it, Lady Kitty. It would be really worth your while."
Kitty mocked and exclaimed.