Page:The principal girl (IA principalgirl00snai).pdf/109

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grew grave and serious as became a young lady of good Scottish lineage on the spindle side.

"If you'll take my advice, Mr. Shelmerdine, you'll go a short sea voyage. I've noticed a deterioration in you during the last fortnight. It is far worse than when Cassie Smallpiece was at the Gaiety. I shall go and see for myself on Monday, but I've no opinion of actresses as a class. It is time you married that Lady Adela, you know."

It was the first time that Miss Pearson had been moved to these communications as far as this particular client was concerned; but the fair president of the smartest florist in Piccadilly was a lady of considerable social insight.

"Well, Miss Pearson," said the heir to the barony, slowly and thoughtfully, "you know that I always value your opinion, but Mary Caspar is an absolute nailer."

"Go across to Dean and Dawson's," said Miss Pearson. "Or you can use my telephone if you don't want to run the risk of crossing the street. Egypt or Switzerland, or a short sea voyage. Think what a blow it would be to your father if you didn't marry a lady in society."

"Ha, you haven't seen her yet, Miss Pearson," cried the incredible young man. "If I could book a couple