“You rather take me aback,” she said.
“I really like him,” he answered. “You were always prejudiced against the Howards. Forgive me, but I really want very much to have him here.”
“Well, if you like him, I suppose I have no objection.”
“I do like him. He is very clever,” said her son, “and knows a great deal. I wonder he does not marry. Do you not think he would make a good husband?—for you must admit he is sympathetic.”
“It is not difficult to sympathize with every one if you have no true principles and convictions.”
Principles and convictions were her names for that strenuous consistency attained without trouble by men and women of few ideas.
“I am sure you will like him better,” said the other, “when you see more of him.”
“Is that photograph quite spoilt?” she answered.
“No; there was nothing on it but ashes.”
“That is a pity, for one less would be something.”