Page:Lesbia Newman - Dalton - 1889.djvu/153

 with smiles and swaying and more vigorous manipulation of the moustache.

‘Waal, you converted me, Miss Newman; you worked a revolution in my notions, aw, about gurls, aw. I’m now all for gurls pitching modesty and that sort of thing to the dogs, aw, and showing us what’s what, aw, don’t you know.’

‘Are you indeed, Mr Dandidimmons?’ said Lesbia suavely. ‘I should like to put you to the proof. Suppose now you were to make me the prettiest and sugariest of sugary pretty speeches, something quite too transcendentally the thing, don’t you know; and suppose, instead of hanging my head with the regulation coy-maidenly blush and simper—‘she gives a side glance and looks down,’ don’t you know—I were just to walk round the table and plant you a persuader, don’t you know.’

It was over Mr Julius Dandidimmons’ face that the maidenly blush now spread, while a peal of laughter rang from Lady Hilda and all the other girls near. Mrs Bristley’s teacup stopped half-way to her mouth, and her stare was if she had run her nose against the dark portion of the moon.

‘Upon my word, Lesbia!’ said Mrs Newman, biting her lip, ‘one would think you had been brought up entirely among stable-boys.’

‘Better that than among weaker vessels, mamma,’ she replied.

But Julius felt that he cut a foolish figure and must do something for prestige. Taking for granted that Lesbia would not be as good as her word, he swaggered up to her again.

‘Haw, weally, Miss Newman, can only say, aw, shall be quite delighted, aw, to have a kick, cuff, or what you please, aw, from such a peculiarly sweet gurl as you.’

‘Really, Mr Dandidimmons? Mind I’ve got a biceps