J. J. Bell

“ Lottie the only girl?”
“Yes. If you don't mind, Aunt Griselda, I'd rather not discuss—”
“I'm doing the discussing, and I'm not going to apologize for warning you against Harold Lismore—”
“Warning me—why on earth should you warn me?”
“Because you apparently need warning; and I imagined you had your share of woman's wit! Do you mean to tell me you regard Harold Lismore as trustworthy?”
“Good heavens! Why not?”
“My good Joan,” the spinster quietly announced, “the man is as straight as a corkscrew, and not unlike that useful implement in his methods. Did he never try to draw you?” ”

“ Ten hours later arrived Miss Griselda Gosling, a small but wiry lady with a face like a ripe pippin, bright brown eyes and an unsentimental, imperturbable spirit, who greeted her niece with a brief, brisk handshake and a quick “How are you?” ”

“ Lottie told me just now that he is coming to see me to-night.”
“I haven't seen Harold Lismore, for twenty years,” Miss Gosling interrupted, “but I can't hope that he has improved in the interval. What's he coming to see you about?”
“Lottie didn't say, and I have no idea. You once told me you had no curiosity.”
“Don't get huffy, Joan. How many children has the man?” ”