"Firstly," began Maurice, seating himself on the rustic bench near her, "why isn't Miss Lafitte a belle?—she is certainly beautiful."
"'Pretty is as pretty does'—a motto especially true of belles."
"Which, interpreted, means she is not agreeable. Yet she has mind, or she would not keep that thoughtful position for so long a time."
"She may be planning the trimming for her next ball-dress," remarked his cousin.
"She is too serious for that."
"It is a serious affair at times."
"There is something about her extremely interesting to me."
"Maurice, of course you will think me odious"—and Mrs. Felton checked her bantering tone—"but don't sit here allowing your imagination to run wild, deifying Miss Lafitte before you know her. Either make her acquaintance in the ordinary way, or, which I should like better, avoid her."
"Do you think I am falling in love at first sight?"
"I think any idle young man tempts Providence when he sits weaving romances about a very beautiful girl before he knows her."