Evelyn asked Babie who her sister's friend was. The answer was,
"Do you know, Elfie? You know so many more gentlemen than I do."
"No," replied Elvira, "I don't. He looks like the stupid sort of
man."
"What is the stupid sort of man?" asked the General, as she intended.
"Oh! that talks to Janet."
"Is everyone that talks to Janet stupid?"
"Of course," said Elvira. "They only go on about stupid things no
better than lessons."
Sir James laughed at her arch look, and shook his head at her, but
then made a tour among the other passengers, leaving her pouting a
little at his desertion. On his return, he sat down by his sister-
in-law and mentioned a name, which made her start and glance an
inquiry whether she heard aright. Then as he bent his head in
affirmation, she asked, "Is there anything to be done?"
"It is only for the crossing, and she is quite old enough to take
care of herself."
"And it is evidently an established acquaintance, for which I am not
responsible," murmured Mrs. Evelyn to herself.
She was in perplexity about these friends of her son's. Ever since
Cecil had been at Eton, his beloved Brownlow had seemed to be his
evil genius, whose influence none of his resolutions or promises
could for a moment withstand.
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