grandpère_ by a girl of nineteen, even if she has not yet worn the
polish from her first pair of high-heeled shoes.

"It's astonishing," he said, "how little respect infirmity and age
command in these days."

"I do respect you," she insisted, "especially your infirmity of purpose.
You said you were going to ride by yourself. But, do you know, I don't
believe you are of a particularly solitary disposition; are you?"

He laughed at first, then suddenly his face fell.

"Not from choice," he said, under his breath. Her quick ear heard, and
she turned, semi-serious, questioning him with raised eyebrows.

"Nothing; I was just muttering. I've a villainous habit of muttering
mushy nothings--"

"You _did_ say something!"

"No; only ghoulish gabble; the mere murky mouthings of a meagre mind."

"You _did_. It's rude not to repeat it when I ask you."

"I didn't mean to be rude."

"Then repeat what you said to yourself."

"Do you wish me to?" he asked, raising his eyes so gravely that the
smile faded from lip and voice when she answered: "I beg your pardon,