"And I have no doubt," Madeline went on, "if some of the people in St. Gaved got to know that I was in the habit of calling here they would say all sorts of uncharitable things."
"I've not the least doubt of it," Mrs. Tuke said, severely.
"It is so nice to think you are not one of that sort," Madeline said, with a winning smile. "If I came here fifty times I know you would not talk about it. You see you understand people, Mrs. Tuke. And in America, as you know, girls have so much more freedom than they have in this country."
"So I've heard."
"It's natural, perhaps; they go to the same State schools together, and they grow up to respect each other. The girls learn self-reliance, and the boys chivalry."
"That sounds very nice," Mrs. Tuke remarked, with an interested look.
"It ought to be so everywhere. I don't think much of a girl who is not able to take care of herself."
"But men are not to be trusted, my dear," Mrs. Tuke said, with a pained expression in her eyes.
"Then they should be avoided and ostracised."
"Yes, I quite agree with you," Mrs. Tuke said, doubtfully; "but had you not better go and see Mr. Sterne now? Between ourselves, I believe he will be terribly impatient."