‘What’s the matter with you?—Aren’t you well?’
I was not well,—I was very far from well. I was as unwell as I could be without being positively ill, and any person of common discernment would have perceived it at a glance. At the same time I was not going to admit anything of the kind to her.
‘Thank you,—I am perfectly well.’
‘Then, if I were you, I would endeavour to become imperfectly well; a little imperfection in that direction might make you appear to more advantage.’
‘I am afraid that that I am not one of those persons who ever do appear to much advantage,—did I not tell you so last night?’
‘I believe you did say something of the kind,—it’s very good of you to remember. Have you forgotten something else which you said to me last night?’
‘You can hardly expect me to keep fresh in my memory all the follies of which my tongue is guilty.’
‘Thank you.—That is quite enough.—Good-day.’
She turned as if to go.
‘Miss Grayling!’