Page:Firecrackers a realistic novel.pdf/94



Consuelo sat very quiet, her slender legs dangling over the edge of the couch.

Of course, it is with Campaspe, Laura was qualifying, and it would probably be all right this time. There's certainly no harm in her attending a vaudeville entertainment, except for the fact that she is going out altogether too much. She's acquiring, Laura concluded darkly, too many ideas.

Consuelo's face was pale and emotionless. One could hardly be sure that she was listening at all to this family discussion conducted insensitively without regard for her presence, notwithstanding the certainty that she herself provided the theme for it.

I can't imagine where she gets them all, Laura wailed.

Perhaps, George suggested, from her governess.

No, George. . . Laura spoke decisively. . . I am sure they do not come from Miss Pinchon. I have the utmost faith in her conservatism. I think it must be from books. Consuelo, dear, why aren't you like other little girls?

Directly addressed, the child replied, although without altering her position and apparently without any special interest, I don't profess to have the