'Ah, it would have been nice enough if the two Brians had been with us.
Brian Walford is so amusing.'

'He would have sung comic songs, I suppose?' said Ida rather
contemptuously.

'Oh, no; you must not suppose that he is always singing comic songs. He
is one of those versatile people who can do anything.'

'I don't want to be rude about your own flesh and blood Bess, but in a
general way I detest versatile people,' said Ida.

'What a queer girl you are, Ida! I'm afraid you have taken a dislike to
Brian Walford,' complained Bessie.

'No,' said Ida, deep in thought,--the two girls were standing at the
hall-door, waiting for the carriage,--'it is not that.'

'You like the idea of the other Brian better?'

Ida's wild-rose bloom deepened to a rich carnation.

'Oh, Ida,' cried Bessie; 'do you remember what you said about marrying
for money?'

'It was a revolting sentiment; but it was wrung from me by the infinite
vexations of poverty.'

'Wouldn't it be too lovely if Brian the Great were to fall in love with
you, and ask you to be mistress of that dear old Abbey which you admire