For
my part, I believe you exaggerate what Mr. Van Berg said at the
concert, and that he never meant to be so rude. As far as I can
judge, he has shown no such unmannerly disposition since coming
here."
"Indeed, you are right. I think his disposition has compared
favorably with your own."
"Well," she replied, with a peculiar smile, "we are on speaking
terms for the present."
"That smile bodes no good-will towards my friend, but for once you
will find a man who will not fall helplessly in love with your mere
beauty."
"If you will glance at yonder table you can see that Miss Burton
has already so absorbed him that he has eyes for no one else."
"They have jolly good times at that table. I wish we were there."
"Indeed! are you bewitched also? I can't see what it is that people
find so attractive in that plain-looking girl."
"Well, for one thing, she has a mind. Beauty without mind is like
salad without dressing."
"And do you mean to say that I have no mind?" Ida asked, with a
sudden flush.
"My dear Coz, we were speaking solely of Miss Burton. Indeed, I
think you have a very decided will of your own."
"I understand you. Well, in what other respects is Miss Burton my
superior?"
"I doubt if Miss Burton ever thinks of herself as superior to any
one, and that's another very amiable trait in her.
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