Gwen. Not even if I'm asked, Miss Seaton?... No?... Would you be displeased? Then I won't. (Returning to her seat and addressing Lord S. confidentially.) Do you know why I've come to sit next to you? Because I want to see how you behave. You aren't just like one of our regular dinner-party guests, are you, you know?
Lord Strath. (humbly). I'm afraid not, my dear; but you'll be kind to me for all that, won't you?
Gwen. (primly). Miss Seaton says we should never be unkind to anybody, whatever their position is. And I think you're rather nice. I wish Papa would have you to dine with us often, but perhaps you're expensive?
Lord Strath. (laughing). I don't know, Miss Gwennie, I've been feeling uncommonly cheap all the evening!
Gwen. (reflectively). Mamma always says everything's much cheaper at Blankley's.
Mrs. Tid. (to Uncle Gab.). Growing such a big girl, isn't she? and getting on wonderfully with her lessons. I must get her to recite one of her little pieces for you, Uncle, dear—she does it so prettily!
Uncle Gab. Hey, Gwen—I'll bet you one of these sugar-biscuits you don't know who it is you're chatting away so freely to!
Gwen. Oh yes, I do, Uncle; but I'm being very kind to him, so that he mayn't feel any different, you know!
Uncle Gab. Upon my word—what will you get into that little noddle of yours next, I wonder!
Gwen. (after deliberation). Preserved ginger, I think—I like ginger better than biscuits. (To Lord S.) You can reach it for me.