They seem to take a very low view," added momma austerely, "of friendship between a young man and a young woman in England!" "I should think so!" said I absent-mindedly.

"Dicky hasn't made love to me for three years." "_What!_" "Nothing, momma, dear," I replied kindly.

"Only I wouldn't contradict Mrs.Portheris again upon that point, if I were you.

She will think it so improper if Dicky _isn't_ my admirer, don't you see ?" But Mrs.Portheris's desire to join our party stood revealed.

Her constant chaperonage of Dicky was getting a little trying, and she wanted me to relieve her.