'You did the part very well, May; but I think I should like him to have
been more sentimental.'

'I don't think men are sentimental--at least, not as you think they are.
I tried to copy Fred Scully.'

'My part was a mere nothing. You must write me a something, Alice, one
of these days--a coquettish girl, you know, who could twist a man round
her fingers. A lot of _bavardage_ in it.'

'I suppose you'll never be able to speak English again, now you've got
the prize for French conversation.'

'Sour grapes! You would like to have got it yourself. I worked hard for
it. I was determined to get it, for ma says it is of great advantage in
society for a girl to speak French well.'

'Jealous! I should like to know why I should be jealous. Of what? I got
all I tried for. Besides, the truth about your French prize is that you
may consider yourself very fortunate, for if' (she mentioned the name of
one of her schoolfellows) 'hadn't been so shy and timid, you'd have come
off second best.'

The rudeness of this retort drew a sharp answer from Violet; and then,
in turn, but more often simultaneously, the girls discussed the justice
of the distribution. The names of an infinite number of girls were
mentioned; but when, in the babbling flow of convent-gossip, a favourite
nun was spoken of, one of the chatterers would sigh, and for a moment be
silent.