Some people, it would appear, are always settled--of settled convictions, settled mind, settled purpose.
Paul Howard Alexis was perhaps such a person.
At all events, the girl sitting in the low chair by his side seemed to be under some such influence, seemed to have escaped the unrest which is said to live in palaces.
When she spoke it was with a quiet voice, as one having plenty of time and leisure.
"Where have you been ?" she asked practically.

Maggie was always practical.
"To the Lanovitches', where we met the Baron de Chauxville." "Ah!" "Why--ah ?" "Because I dislike the Baron de Chauxville," answered Maggie in her decisive way.
"I am glad of that--because I hate him!" said Paul.

"Have you any reason for your dislike ?" Miss Delafield had a reason, but it was not one that she could mention to Paul.

So she gracefully skirted the question.
"He has the same effect upon me as snails," she explained airily.
Then, as if to salve her conscience, she gave the reason, but disguised, so that he did not recognize it.
"I have seen more of M.de Chauxville than you have," she said gravely.
"He is one of those men of whom women do see more.

When men are present he loses confidence, like a cur when a thoroughbred terrier is about.