“Well then, dancing is voted a bore by the handsomest couple in the room, and they sit apart, and the uninitiated think they are making love. And they talk so confidentially, and look so amused; they seem delighted with each other. But they are only criticising.
“‘Who is pink skirt?’
“‘Blue-nose Mary.’
“‘What in the world do they call her Blue-nose for?’
“‘It is a nickname for the Nova Scotians. Her father is one; he made his fortune by a diving-bell.’
“‘Did he? Well, it’s quite right then it should go with a belle.’
“‘How very good! May I repeat that? You do say such clever things! And who is that pale girl that reminds you of brown holland, bleached white? She looks quite scriptural; she has a proud look and a high stomach.’
“‘That’s Rachael Scott, one of my very best friends. She is as good a girl as ever lived. My! I wish I was as rich as she is. I have only three hundred thousand dollars, but she will have four at her father’s death if he don’t bust and fail. But, dear me! how severe you are! I am quite afraid of you. I wonder what you will say of me when my back is turned!’
“‘Shall I tell you?’
“‘Yes, if it isn’t too savage.’