'They say he is very rich indeed, and has more in expectation from a bachelor uncle--a mill owner.'
'Ah! Those mill owners are tremendous people. And is he nice?'
'Really I don't know--That is a matter of taste.'
'Well, does he please your taste, Miss Precision?'
'I find him very polite and attentive, more so indeed than I care for. I think fussy people are apt to put me out, and it seems difficult to converse with him. I suppose my being Scotch prevents my knowing the things he talks best about.'
'And has Miss Sophia made an impression, do you think? Or is she impressed herself?'
'Indeed I don't know.'
'Ah! forgive me. I am so forgetful, but you know I mean no harm. I remember now, there is some tendresse between your brother and her. She certainly is handsome, and I hope he will get her if he wishes it, though, entre nous, she always struck me as a dull girl. Like a wedding cake, only good to look at.'
Here Briggs knocked and entered, with a bundle of white roses, each flushing into pinkish creaminess at the heart.
'With Captain Drysdale's compliments for Miss Brown.'