21/41 But the woman who hesitates is lost, even though she be a British matron of massive prejudices and a figure to match. In Mrs.Portheris's instant of vacillation, I stepped forward with such enthusiasm that she was compelled to take down her _pince nez_ and hold out a superior hand. I took it warmly, and turned to my parents with a joy which was not in the least affected. "Momma," I exclaimed, "try to think of the very last person who would naturally cross your mind--our relation, Mrs. Poppa, allow me to introduce you to your aunt--Mrs. |