"That's what we are here on just. In fact we've been two-thirds round this globe already."
"And have you enjoyed it?"
"Off and on. There are drawbacks to everything, but in the main it's been just great."
Then Mrs. Harvey waddled up, panting, breathless, eager and happy. She almost smothered Madeline with kisses and talked incessantly between whiles.
"Kitty said it was you, and I said it wasn't. But you have improved. You see my sight is not quite as good as it used to be."
"Another of mother's compliments!" Kitty laughed.
"It's nothing of the sort," Mrs. Harvey protested. "I meant what I said, but I really must get my glasses strengthened."
"You must, mother. You really won't be able to recognise father at the rate you are going on."
"And you are still Madeline Grover? I don't want to be inquisitive my dear, but we understood, you know, you were coming across to marry a title; was it a duke or a knight? I really get mixed up as to the order they stand in."
"I'm not going to marry either," Madeline said, impulsively. "I'm going to remain as I am."