"
I FELT rather than saw that Miss Montague darted a quick glance of
hidden meaning at her friends the chappies; their faces, in response,
ceased to snigger and grew instantly sober.
She took my card; then, in her alternative manner as the perfect lady,
she presented me to her mother. "Dr. Cumberledge, mamma," she said, in a
faintly warning voice. "A friend of Mr. Holsworthy's."
The old lady half rose. "Let me see," she said, staring at me. "WHICH is
Mr. Holsworthy, Siss?--is it Cecil or Reggie?"
One of the chappies burst into a fatuous laugh once more at this remark.
"Now, you're giving away the whole show, Mrs. Montague!" he exclaimed,
with a chuckle. A look from Miss Sissie immediately checked him.
I am bound to admit, however, that after these untoward incidents of
the first minute, Miss Montague and her friends behaved throughout
with distinguished propriety. Her manners were perfect--I may even say
demure. She asked about "Cecil" with charming naivete. She was frank and
girlish. Lots of innocent fun in her, no doubt--she sang us a comic
song in excellent taste, which is a severe test--but not a suspicion of
double-dealing.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73