The discovery made the second part of her explanation easier.

She plunged into it headlong as soon as they were seated.
"You see, I've heard so much about Hawkins and the way he sometimes confuses the new girls with his grand London airs till they're too rattled to eat, that I made up my mind that even if I am from Arizona, I'd made him think that I've always 'dwelt in marble halls, with vassals and serfs at my side.' I thought I was making a perfectly regal entrance, till I looked into the mirror and saw how dilapidated I was after my long journey.

It took all the heart out of me and made me dreadfully nervous about meeting you.

I was trying to get into an easy attitude that would make me feel more self-possessed when you came down.
That is why I was experimenting with all the sofas and chairs.

Oh, you've no idea how the Walton girls and Lloyd Sherman and Betty Lewis have talked about you," she went on hurriedly, eager to justify herself.
"They made me feel that you were--well--er--sort of like _royalty_ you know.