'You know I'm not clever, Nan,' she said, in a burst of confidence, 'and I haven't got clockworks in my brain, and I daresay I'm not interesting—to everybody. But I know girls who are stupider than I am who are made plenty of. And of course, if you don't have any romance when you're young, when are you likely to get it after?'
'But I don't know what you mean, Madge!' Nan exclaimed.
Nor did Madge explain at the moment. She continued—
'I believe it was you, Nan, who told me of the young lady who remarked,
"What's the use of temptation if you don't yield to it?"'
'That was only a joke,' said Nan, with her demure smile.
'Oh, I think there's sense in it,' said the practical Madge. 'It doesn't do to be too wise when you're young.'
'It so seldom happens, Madge!' said her sister.
'There you are again, old Mother Hubbard, with your preaching! But I'm not going to quarrel with you this time. I want your advice. I want you to tell me what little thing I should buy for Frank, just to be friends all round, don't you know?'
'Friends? Yes, I hope so!' said Nan, with a grave smile. 'But how can
I tell you, Madge? I don't know, as you ought to know, what Captain
King has in the way of cigar-cases or such things——'
'But call him Frank, Nan! Do, to please me. And I know he would like it.'