Ethel Watts Mumford

“ I mention this so that you will not allow Reginald to call at his residence of Les Charteries, in the absence of his humble janitor. I think perhaps it would be wiser for you to pass by and have a glimpse of it before you let him come.”
“Perhaps,” said Margot, absently, “perhaps—listen!” she exclaimed, suddenly. “Oh, lovely! they are playing a minuet! I adore a minuet! Don't you? I never can keep still!” Reggie was unceremoniously slipped from his mistress's silken lap, as Margot rose with dignified sauciness. “One, two, three!” ”

“ You know who I am, and what I have to offer—it is something, but not half what I wish I might give to the woman I love.”
Mrs. Wysong-Lord extended her slim hand graciously. D'Alencourt bent and kissed it.
“Naturally it is understood. Pay your court when you please, it has my entire approval—in fact, it is the proper thing. And now, my son, do not forget that I am quite, quite perishing in the desert. Prove to me what an attentive son-in-law you will be, and, as you love me, find me a glass of champagne!” ”

“ I walk a great deal, and take long rides.”
“Ah!” said the admiral, who, in spite of his marine training, was an enthusiastic horseman. “And when, may I ask, do these gallops take place?”
“Every day.” And Margot was apparently quite unaware of the plans forming under the admiral's white hair. “About five o'clock, mother insists that I take a groom, but I always give him the slip. I hate to be tracked by servants—it grates on one's nerves, doesn't it?” ”

“ III “Roland,” said Madame de Montalou, “you are absurd! Pray remember I am arranging your marriage with your cousin, Claire; you are to make yourself agreeable to her, and let l' Américaine alone.”
“Adored mother, pray allow me”—Roland yawned discreetly—“the privilege of showering my attentions where I please until after marriage. Observe, if I do not devote myself to our fair neighbor, she will have the whole company distraught. I might efface myself and retire from the field, but that only means that every other man would rush to fill the place which, as host, I have a right to claim. ”

“ You shall have unnumbered good things for your noble deed. Did he have his feelings hurt? Poor angel!”
“If I follow up the ladies and bite one—Mademoiselle Marie, the youngest, by preference—will you talk to me like that?” ”

“ He would not be a safe companion for you.”
“Let us,” said Margot, freezingly, “show Reggie the scenery.”
To conduct his fair charge out of doors was no easy matter. She was surrounded, stopped a dozen times to exchange compliments with as many infatuated Lovelaces. Even the women, when not openly hostile, were as enthusiastic as the men. At last, they gained refuge and comparative quiet upon the marble balcony overlooking the lovely valley.
“Reginald,” said d'Alencourt, gravely, “to the right you will observe the Château Colville ”

“ Here, I see, you will have the collation served, and over there the musicians will be placed
“And here,” he interrupted, with a laugh, “I have devised a concealed corner for the apple of discord and her host!”
She shook her head in reproof.
“Incorrigible! In our world one does not do such things. Even if she is American, I do not imagine she will wish to impersonate the forest maid in the dismal wood. Listen, the music begins! People are arriving, and I suppose you wish to let them assemble here before you come for me to make my grande entrée. To your duties, my son. ”