“Isn’t that enough?” she asked slightly flushing.
“Yes, I think that it is enough; but I know that it was born and not made. It did not become perfect in a year and a day. See if your aunt hasn’t had an experience that she will not tell you.”
“And my uncle?” she asked saucily.
“Men do not parade their experiences.”
“Providing they have any to parade,” she replied lightly. “I’m afraid that I don’t believe in men’s experiences.”
“Don’t say that, my dear,” said Mrs. Towne anxiously.
“I will not,” Tessa answered, suddenly sobered, “not until I forget Dr. Lake.”
“Am I to have the mournful pleasure of taking you home, Miss Tessa? My carriage is at the door.”
“I have tried to persuade her to stay all the evening,” said Mrs. Towne.
“I have an engagement. My encyclopedia is coming to-night to talk over to me something that I have been writing.”