You can if you like, you know, Uncle Mel, and it's a shame to make him lose his time when he's young and does his work so well--that you can't deny! Now, please, be positive, Uncle Mel.

You know I hate--I have no faith in your 'nous verrons'.

Say you will, and at once.' The diplomatist pretended to have his weather-eye awakened.
'You seem very anxious about feathering the young fellow's nest, Rosey ?' 'There,' cried Rose, with the maiden's mature experience of us, 'isn't that just like men?
They never can believe you can be entirely disinterested!' 'Hulloa!' the diplomatist sung out, 'I didn't say anything, Rosey.' She reddened at her hastiness, but retrieved it by saying: 'No, but you listen to your wife; you know you do, Uncle Mel; and now there's Aunt Shorne and the other women, who make you think just what they like about me, because they hate Mama.' 'Don't use strong words, my dear.' 'But it's abominable!' cried Rose.

'They asked Mama yesterday what Evan's being here meant?
Why, of course, he's your secretary, and my friend, and Mama very properly stopped them, and so will I! As for me, I intend to stay at Beckley, I can tell you, dear old boy.' Uncle Mel had a soft arm round his neck, and was being fondled.

'And I 'm not going to be bred up to go into a harem, you may be sure.' The diplomatist whistled, 'You talk your mother with a vengeance, Rosey.' 'And she's the only sensible woman I know,' said Rose.