"If Low Church and frumpy clothes are cleverness, they're geniuses,"
he remarked.

"Of course, you prefer High Church and low bodices," retorted Mavis.

Soon after, Mrs Hamilton and Mavis left the men and went upstairs to
the drawing-room. The girl was uneasy in her mind as to how Mrs
Hamilton would take the fact of her having considerably eclipsed her
employer at table; now that they were alone together, she feared
some token of Mrs Hamilton's displeasure.

To her surprise and delight, this person said:

"You're an absolute treasure."

"You think so?"

"I don't think; I know. But then, I never make a mistake."

"I'm glad you're pleased."

"I'm not pleased; delighted is more the word. You're worth your
weight in gold."

"I wish I were."

"But you will be, if you follow my advice. At first, I thought you a
bit of a mug. I don't mind telling you, now I see how smart you
are."