Mrs. H. [to Hud.]. Well, my son, I must say, your chum seems hardly the retiring, bashful young man you have always represented him to be.
Hud. Oh, he is, he is. That's—er—that is just what is the matter. His shyness takes this form, you see. He is really awfully embarrassed, and—er—tries to pass it off in this way.
Mrs. H. Curious forms of shyness.
Hud. Yes, very. It will pass off soon, and you will like him better when the ice is broken.
Shr. [to Miss H.]. Ain't that a nobby dress you got on!
Mrs. H. I should think the ice was at least badly cracked already.
Hud. [aside]. I must get them out of here. [Aloud.] Come, do let us start for the Assembly.
Mrs. H. Well, dear, we have an extra seat in the carriage, and if Mr. Burleigh would like to come, we will wait for him to dress. [To Shreedy] Won't you come with us, Mr. Burleigh?
Hud. [breaking in]. No—no—no! Ned never cares——
Shr. Why, sure. I'd be tickled to death. I am wid you easy. Let's go right away.