“Perfectly charming,” said Clement.
“Of very good family, too,” snapped the little man.
“Probably,” said Clement. “But I didn’t find that out.”
“Don’t have to, take it from me. Very good family. No father, no mother.”
“That,” said Clement, “I shall have to take from you.”
His astonishment had given way to a sort of guarded amusement. He was of the genial type of young man, one who could see the humorous side of things quickly.
The little bouncy man waved his umbrella in excitement.
“Do take it from me,” he cried. “No mother, no father. No encumbrances, and no one to control her. Remember that, no one to watch over her. And she is very well off. Very rich.”
Clement could only stare. The little man swept on: “Very beautiful. Very charming. A girl with a gentle, tender heart—much too tender. Too quixotic. A fine character. Good family—and rich. Extremely rich. You understand all that?”