Beta Book

"This," said Ralph, with enthusiasm, "is the proudest moment of my
life. The beautiful Sallianna--"
"Oh, Mr. Ashley."'
"Yes, madam!" said Ralph, "torture would not make me change the word."
"La! Mr. Ashley!"
"The beautiful Miss Sallianna has declared that I am possessed
of intrinsic perspicuity! I need nothing more. Now let the fates
descend!"
With which heroic words Mr. Ralph Ashley wiped his brow with solemn
dignity, and chuckled behind his handkerchief.
"I always admired perspicuity," said Miss Sallianna, with a languid
glance.
"And I, beauty, madam."
"La! sir."
"Admiration is a weak word, Miss Sallianna."
"Opprobrium?" suggested the lady.
"Yes, yes! that is the word! Thank you, Miss Sallianna. I am not as
strong in philology as you are. I should have said opprobrium--that is
what I have always regarded beauty, such as yours, all my life."
Miss Sallianna covered her face with her fan. Here was an opportunity
to supply the place of the faithless Verty and the odious Jinks.


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