“Never knew a woman that didn’t,” said Dick, entering. “Ask Georgia if she doesn’t like to see the men round her chair, though she pretends to think they’re attracted by her professional reputation. But Miss Graham is coming to call on you, Mab. She’s dying to see you, but feared you would be too tired to pay visits this week. In gratitude for this honour, don’t you think you ought to refrain from exercising your fascinations on her young man?”
“Really, Dick, I don’t know what you can think of me. Is Miss Graham engaged?”
“Rather; to young Haycraft, of the Regiment.”
“Ah, I fly at higher game,” said Mabel austerely.
“So I should have guessed.”
“Oh, Dick, have you seen the Commissioner?” cried Georgia.
“Been closeted with him nearly all morning.”
“And was he very horrid?”
“By no means. He didn’t make any secret of his reforming intentions, but he gave me no hint as to his plan for carrying them out. He only tells that sort of thing to casual fellow-travellers, I suppose. But I think he wished to make himself agreeable, and I attribute that to my having the honour of being Miss Mabel North’s brother.”
“Ah!” said Mabel wisely.