"
"For shame, uncle; what would Mr. Bazalgette say? Poor aunt, she is a
coquette now."
"And has been this twenty years."
"Now I was thinking--Mr. Talboys?"
"Talboys is not at home; she must be content with lower game. She
shall bring down David."
Lucy hesitated. "I don't think she will like Mr. Dodd, and I am sure
he will not like her."
"How can you know that?"
"He is so honest. He will not understand a woman of the world and her
little in--sin-- No, I don't mean that."
"Well, if he does not understand her he may like her."
"Aunt, he has made me ask the Dodds to tea, and I am afraid you will
not like them."
"Well, if I don't we must try some more natives to-morrow. Who are
they?" Lucy told her. "Pretty people to ask to meet me," said she,
loftily. This scorn dissolved in course of the evening. Lucy, anxious
her guests should be pleased with one another, drew the Dodds out,
especially David--made him spin a yarn. With this and his good looks
he so pleased Mrs. Bazalgette that it was the last yarn he ever span
during her stay. She took a fancy to him, and set herself to captivate
him with sprightly ardor.
David received her advances politely, but a little coldly. The lady
was very agreeable, but she kept him from Lucy; he hardly got three
words with her all the evening. As they went home together, Eve
sneered: "Well, you managed nicely; it was your business to make
friends with that lady."
"With all my heart.
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