"I hope I did not affront your friends, Mrs. Hopkinson, whoever they may be; but they seemed inclined to put themselves forward, and I feared it might lead to their claiming acquaintance if I settle here, which would embarrass me. I am afraid I was tant soit peu farouche," (Mrs. Hopkinson wondered what that was, but settled that it was French for disagreeable) "but it is a point with me to keep young people in their proper places."
"Of course," said Mrs. Hopkinson, who was quite bewildered, "improper places are shocking things."
"Brava! brava!" said the Baron clapping his hands, and then seeing that his hostess was beginning to look discomposed, he added graciously. "An excellent joke, but upon my soul, Mrs. Hopkinson, your friends are belles à croquer, that is to say, monstrous pretty creatures. Did not you think so, madre adorata."
"Prettyish looking girls, I believe, but they want style. Who are these damsels whom the Baron chooses to patronize?"
E 3
