'No, but really. It would be dreadful to see one's minutes and seconds running away in this manner. What is this in the glass?'
'Did you never hear of the sands of life, child?' said Mrs. Powder.
'They were brought from the shores of time, too,' added Josephine, 'by an adventurous traveller.'
'What is it?' cried a lively voice from the again opening door. 'A reception at the opening of spring goods? I come in, because I hear sounds' And Miss Kitty Fisher presented herself, stopping just inside the door. 'I do vow!' she said. 'What is it?"All for Love"? or "She stoops to Conquer"? Katharine and Petruchio seems to be played out. Well, if I were a turtledove in a big cage!'
'You would coo, I suppose,' said Josephine scornfully. 'Turtledoves always do, and they are a great humbug.'
'I should doubtless bob my head to the other turtledove,' said Kitty, making a profound reverence to the gentleman present.
Rollo came forward and offered the lady his arm; then gravely led her across the big room among baskets and packages to where Wych Hazel was seated on her low cushion.
'Duchess,' said he with stately form, 'Primrose's cousin Kitty desires to be recommended to your grace.'
'No, I don't,' said Kitty. 'That's a fib. The duchess and I were well "acquaint" when Duke did not stand quite so high in favour. But I am thankful for my part, you two people have given up mischief and settled down. Sit still among your baskets, child; they become you.'
'Perhaps you will sit down among the baskets too,' said Dane.
'Don't you want one?'