But, alas for poor Matty she had no conversational powers; she was only great at interjections, at ceaseless giggling, and at violent and uncontrollable fits of blushing.

Even Beatrice felt a sense of repulsion at the very open way in which Matty played her innocent cards.

Matty was in love, and she showed it by voice, look and gesture.

Beatrice tried to shield her, she was mortified for her, and felt a burning sense of resentment against the captain.
In spite, however, of the resentment of the one girl, and the too manifest admiration of the other, this hero managed to have pretty much his own way.

Beatrice had to reply to his sallies, she was forced to meet his eyes; now and then even he drew a smile from her.
When the time came for Miss Meadowsweet to go home, Albert Bell was eagerly summoned to accompany her.
"This is unnecessary," said the captain; "I will see Miss Meadowsweet back to the Gray House." "Oh, now, Captain! Bee, don't you think it's really too much for him ?" "Of course I don't, dear Mrs.Bell," said Beatrice, stopping the good lady's lips with a kiss; "but Albert shall come too, so that I shall be doubly escorted." She nodded and smiled to her hostess, and Mrs.Bell felt a frantic desire to send Matty with her brother, but some slight sense of decorum prevented her making so bare-faced a suggestion.
Albert Bell was very proud to walk with Beatrice, and Captain Bertram felt proportionately sulky.