"Who ever dreamt of the proprieties on the river?
Why, I spent a whole fortnight on the house-boat with only Bertie and the Badger that time the poor old pater and I fell out over--what was it?
Well, it doesn't matter.

Anyhow, I did.

And no one a bit the worse.

Bertie is equal to a dozen _duennas_, as everyone knows." "Don't you really care, I wonder ?" said Mrs.St.Orme, with wondering eyes on the animated face.
"Why should I, dear ?" laughed the girl, dropping upon a hassock at her side.

"I am my own mistress.