Page:The principal girl (IA principalgirl00snai).pdf/100

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The good gray eyes were open to a width that was positively astonishing. "Look right in, and consider yourself upon your oath."

Mr. Shelmerdine did not agree with Grandmamma—being upon his oath.

"No, of course. The provinces are hearty and easy to get on with, and we are very fond of each other, and I don't consider either of us vulgar. It is Granny's Victorianism, to which I always pretend to give in—although I don't, of course. Do you know dear, dirty old Sheffield? The next time you go and play against the Wednesday—I beg your pardon, I had forgotten those wretched Tories had made your father a peer—well, the next time you go to Sheffield—which you never will again—ask the dear old Tykes whether they have ever seen Mary Caspar as Alice in Dick Whittington. Why, it was I who presented the Cup and Medals to the United when they won the Hallamshire and West Riding Charity Vase."

"Oh, really."

"You mustn't say, 'Oh, really.' You must say, 'Did you, ma lass! I wish I'd been playin' in ta match.'"

Would Miss Caspar have a cigarette?

With pleasure; but she insisted on lighting his before he was allowed to light hers.

"I wonder if I know you nearly well enough to call