Page:Herbert Jenkins - The Rain Girl.djvu/141

 "Money inverts the natural order of things. It is the woman who selects, just as with the birds of the air," he sighed dolefully; "besides, Miss Craven, seemed far more interested in Mr. Quelch than in me. You see I am not psychic, merely rheumatic, probably the legacy of the early Drewitts, who gloried and drank deep of their own productions."

"Interested in that man!" Lady Drewitt seemed to sit a little more upright in her chair. There was surprise in her tone.

"That was the impression I received."

For a few minutes Lady Drewitt seemed to ponder.

"It's your air of indifference," she announced at length.

"My dear aunt, can you imagine me making love? Can you see me spreading my handkerchief upon the carpet, going down on one knee, striking an attitude, and at the same time the left portion of my upper anatomy, and declaring that life holds nothing for me if the beloved does not vouchsafe to me the honey of her lips and the balance at her bank?"

"Don't be a fool, Drewitt."

"No, it's not that," said Drewitt, "the fault lies elsewhere. I'm afraid I could never seriously contemplate marrying Miss Craven for her money," he continued gravely. "She has personality and charm; they always command my respect."

"Then marry her for her personality and charm," said Lady Drewitt sarcastically.

"There is of course that," he said rising; "but