Ruggles, addressing the teacher of vocal
culture, "don't you feel quite rural today? Almost as if you were
visiting the country?"
"I do, indeed," replied Miss Sherborne. "Refreshing, isn't it? Ha! ha!"
"It is if one cares for such things. I am afraid _I_ don't appreciate
them. They may be well enough in their place, but--"
She finished with a shrug of her shoulders. Captain Elisha smiled.
"Yes, ma'am," he said politely, joining in the conversation; "that's
what the boy said about the cooky crumbs in the bed. You don't care for
the country, I take it, ma'am."
"I do NOT!"
"So? Well, it's a mercy we don't think alike; even Heaven would be
crowded if we did--hey? You didn't come from the country, either?"
turning to Miss Sherborne.
The young lady would have liked to answer with an uncompromising
negative. Truth and the fact that some of those present were acquainted
with it compelled her to forego this pleasure.
"I was born in a--a small town," she answered coldly. "But I came to the
city as soon as I possibly could."
"Um-hm. Well, I came when I couldn't possibly stay away. We can agree
on one thing--we're all here. Yes, and on another--that that cake
is fust-rate. I'll take a second piece, if you've no objection, Mrs.
Hepton.
Pages:
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292