He seemed rather disconcerted at my coldness.
'Why, it is more than ten days to Christmas! I hope you do not mean to be stiff and unneighbourly, Miss Garston.

I am afraid,' with a decidedly quizzical look, 'that pride is a serious defect of yours.' 'Perhaps so; but, you see, I do not wish to be different from my neighbours,' I replied quietly; but my speech was received by Mr.
Hamilton with a hearty laugh.
'Oh yes, you are right: we are a proud lot,' he observed, as he rose to take leave.

'Well, Miss Garston, after Christmas is over, we shall hope to see you for an evening; but any afternoon you are free they will be glad to see you.

Etta makes excellent tea.

What a craze five-o'clock tea is with you women! I have protested against it in vain: the girls are in majority against me.' With this speech he took himself off.