In vain.

She might as well have tried to fascinate one of the gnarled old tamaracks out-of-doors.

Sir Ronald was utterly insensible to her brightest smiles and glances, to her rosiest blushes and most honeyed words.

He listened politely, he answered courteously; but he was no more fascinated by Captain Danton's second daughter than he was by Captain Danton's housekeeper.
Rose was disgusted, and retreated to a corner with a book, and sulked.
Grace, Kate, and Eeny, who all saw through the little game, were exceedingly amused.
"I told you it was of no use, Rose," said Kate, in a whisper, pausing at the corner.

"Do you always read with the book upside down?
Sir Ronald is made of flint, where pretty girls are concerned.