"Then if I called you 'Digby,' it would sound as if I were simply dropping the 'Mr.' and calling you by your surname; and that is very ugly. It does not sound respectful."
"Drop the respect."
"But I cannot!" cried Rotha, laughing a little. "I have heard women speak so, and it always seemed to me very ungraceful. Fancy aunt Serena saying 'Busby' to her husband! She always says so carefully 'Mr. Busby'—"
"She is a woman of too much good taste to do otherwise."
"She has a good deal," said Rotha, "in many ways. Then what will you think of me, if I do 'otherwise'?"
"You are not logical this afternoon," said Mr. Southwode laughing. "Am I an equivalent for Mr. Busby, in your imagination?"
"Will you make that clock go?"
"I think so."
There was a little pause. Rotha did not change her position, and Mr.
Southwode went on with his clock work.
"What shall I do about aunt Serena?" Rotha then began again, in a low voice.