Diana laughed, and was vexed to feel her cheeks grow warm.
"That's a word that belongs to women."
"Not to many of 'em!" said Gertrude, with a slight turning up of her pretty nose. Then, struck with the fine, pure face and very lovely figure before her, she suddenly added, "Didn't he think you charming?"
"Are you laughing at me?" said Diana.
"No, indeed I am not. Didn't he?" said Gertrude caressingly.
Amusement almost carried off the temptation to be provoked. Diana laughed merrily as she answered, "Do you think a person of so good taste would?"
"Yes, I do," said Gertrude, half sulkily, for she was baffled, and besides, her words spoke the truth. "I am sure he did. Isn't life very stupid up here in the mountains, when visitors are all gone away?"
"I don't think so. We never depend upon visitors."
"It has been awfully slow at Elmfield since Mr. Knowlton went away. We sha'n't stay much longer. I can't live where I can't dance."
"What is that?" said a voice close at hand—a peculiarly clear, silvery voice.