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IV.]
THE EUROPEANS.
187
inoffensive pertness, biting off a knot in her knitting.
"It is not because I think I am beautiful," said Gertrude, looking all round. "I don't think I am beautiful, at all." She spoke with a sort of conscious deliberateness; and it seemed very strange to Charlotte to hear her discussing this question so publicly. "It is because I think it would be amusing to sit and be painted. I have always thought that."
"I am sorry you have not had better things to think about, my daughter," said Mr. Wentworth.
"You are very beautiful, cousin Gertrude," Felix declared.
"That's a compliment," said Gertrude.
