"Most people who think me unlike other girls, think me unnatural for that reason. It is hard to be natural, isn't it?"
"Why, no, I think it is the easiest thing in the world to be natural. I'm as natural as I can be, or as anybody can be."
"And yet I've heard you pronounced a bundle of affectations."
"I know that—it's been said in my hearing, but I don't care in the least; it is natural for the perfectly natural person not to care in the least."
"I think, perhaps, it is easier for boys to be natural, than for girls," said Miss. Juno.
"Yes, boys are naturally more natural," replied Paul with much confidence.
Miss. Juno smiled an amused smile.
Paul resumed—"I hardly ever knew a girl who didn't wish herself a boy. Did you ever see a boy who wanted to be a girl?"
"I've seen some who ought to have been girls—and who would have made very droll girls. I know an old gentleman who used to bewail the degeneracy of the age and exclaim in despair, 'Boys will be girls!'" laughed Miss. Juno.
"Horrible thought! But why is it that girlish boys are so unpleasant while tom-boys are delightful?"