"This is kind of you, Miss Clibborn! Do you know, I feared the servant was going to say you were 'not at home.'"
"Oh, I never let her say that when I'm in. Mamma doesn't think it wrong, but one can't deny that it's an untruth."
"What a beautiful character you have!" cried the curate, with enthusiasm.
"I'm afraid I haven't really; but I like to be truthful."
"Were you surprised to receive my letter?"
"I'm afraid I didn't understand it."
"I was under the impression that I expressed myself with considerable perspicacity," remarked the curate, with a genial smile.
"I don't pretend to be clever."
"Oh, but you are, Miss Clibborn. There's no denying it."
"I wish I thought so."