"I dare say you go out a great deal," she observed.
"No, very little. We are strangers, and we didn't come here for society."
"I see," said Lady Pimlico. "It's rather nice in town just now."
"It's charming," said Mrs. Westgate. "But we only go to see a few people—whom we like."
"Of course one can't like every one," said Lady Pimlico.
"It depends upon one's society," Mrs. Westgate rejoined.
The Duchess meanwhile had addressed herself to Bessie. "My son tells me the young ladies in America are so clever."
"I am glad they made so good an impression on him," said Bessie, smiling.
The Duchess was not smiling; her large fresh face was very tranquil. "He is very susceptible," she said. "He thinks every one clever, and sometimes they are."
"Sometimes," Bessie assented, smiling still.
The Duchess looked at her a little, and then went on; "Lambeth is very susceptible, but he is very volatile too."
"Volatile?" asked Bessie.
"He is very inconstant. It won't do to depend on him."
