Norman sat up till ever so late to talk you over
with me, Mae. Do thank him for me; I am under the impression that I
didn't do so last night."
Mae tapped her fourth finger, on which a small ring glistened, sharply
against the cream jug. "If I were every body's pet lamb or black sheep,
I couldn't have more shepherd's crooks about me. Have you joined the
laudable band, Mr. Mann, and am I requested to thank you for that?"
"Not at all. Perhaps your brother's remembrances of last night are not
very distinct. I certainly sat up for Sismondi's sake, not for yours."
And he really thought, for the moment, that he told the truth.
"I warn you," continued Mae, rising as she spoke, "that I have a
tremendous retinue of mentors, and nurses, and governesses already.
You had better content yourself with the fact that you have four proper
traveling companions, and bear the disgrace of being shocked as best you
may by one wild scrap of femininity who will have her own way in spite
of you all.
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