"I don't see that what I said was particularly fresh." "No, indeed!" "Then what do you--" She laughed gaily.

"I don't! And I don't mind your being such a lofty person at all.

I think it's ever so interesting--but papa's a great man!" "Is he ?" George decided to be good-natured "Well, let us hope so.

I hope so, I'm sure." Looking at him keenly, she saw that the magnificent youth was incredibly sincere in this bit of graciousness.

He spoke as a tolerant, elderly statesman might speak of a promising young politician; and with her eyes still upon him, Lucy shook her head in gentle wonder.