"
"No; why? what was said? Something about me? Tell me."
"Oh, no, dear; as Mr. Dodd did not mention it, it is not worth while.
You must not move your hands, please."
"Now, Lucy, that is too bad. It is not fair to excite one's curiosity
and then stop directly."
"But it is nothing. Mr. Talboys teased Mr. Dodd a little, that is all,
and Mr. Dodd was not so patient as I have seen him on like occasions.
There, _you_ are disentangled at last."
"Now, signorina, let us talk sense. Tell me, which do you like best of
all the gentlemen that come here?"
"You, dear; only keep your hands still."
"None of your chaff, Lucy."
"Chaff! what is that?"
"Flattery, then. I hope it isn't that affected fool Talboys, for I
hate hun."
"I cannot undertake to share your prejudices, Mr. Arthur."
"Then you actually like him."
"I don't dislike him."
"Then I pity your taste, that is all."
"Mr. Talboys has many good qualities; and if he was what you describe
him, Uncle Fountain would not prize him as he does."
"There is something in that, Lucy; but I think my guardian and you are
mad upon just that one point. Talboys is a fool and a snob."
"Arthur," said Lucy, severely, "if you speak so of my uncle's friends,
you and I shall quarrel."
"You won't quarrel just now, if you can help it."
"Won't I, though? Why not, pray?"
"Because your skein is not wound yet."
"Oh, you little black-hearted thing!"
"I know human nature, miss," said the urchin, pompously; "I have read
Miss Edgeworth!!!"
He then made an appeal to her candor and good sense.
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