"Well, this particular one is more bother than pleasure to him. You
know his horror of 'danglers'; he is afraid of aimless flirtations
with Bluebell, who, being also Cecil's companion, is constantly in the
drawing-room."

"Ah, my beloved niece," said Captain Du Meresq, as he gave Cecil
considerable support from the ice to the platform.

"What has given us this unexpected treat?" said she, with a warmer hue
than usual in her clear, pale cheek.

"My anxiety to see your new companion."

"Whose existence, I suppose, you have just heard of."

"It has been my loss," retorted he. "Fascinating young creature! The name
Bluebell just describes those wild hyacinth eyes."

"Oh! Bertie," said his sister and Cecil together, "how absurd you are
about girls."

"And then," persisted he, "that charming tawny hair and milk white skin."

"One might think you were describing an Alderney cow. It's a pity she is
not called 'Daisy' or 'Cowslip.'"

"Girls are all alike," said Captain Du Meresq, sententiously. "Even you,
my beloved Cecil, who are a woman of mind, can't stand my wild admiration
of--Cowslip."