“I fear I am not very entertaining,” said Vance.
"On the contrary, Mr. Gilder,” replied Bertha, “I think you are a very charming companion. Are you from Virginia?” she asked.
“No; my people were from Virginia. I was born and reared in New York City.”
“The Bonifields are Virginians. They seem to think,” continued Bertha, “that all good people come from Virginia or Baltimore. I sometimes wish I had been born in Virginia.”
"I never noticed that peculiarity,” replied Vance, “in either Colonel Bonifield or his daughter.”
“Oh, I don’t mean, Mr. Gilder, they are affected. Don’t you think I am horrid to go on talking this way to you? But really, is not Louise one of the sweetest little darlings in the world?”
Vance was bored, but turning toward Bertha Allen and smiling at her pretty up-turned face, replied: