Page:O Genteel Lady! (1926).pdf/43

 with marriage the truly womanly woman comes to understand love.'

'That may be true, but, perhaps I am not womanly, for my poor Augustus, I think I could understand so much more, even before marriage, from some one else.'

The young man empurpled.

'Lanice! That does not sound like you. I am afraid I do not approve of studio life for a young female; such thoughts are unbecoming.'

'But please realize that I think them.' Then, as if to counteract any impression of wantonness, the girl cast down her black-fringed lids, crossed her slim feet and gentle hands.

'Lanice.' The young man was oppressed with the desire to crush the primly corseted female form. Some one else would teach the minx to love! She sat in her red lacquer chair and black glacé dress, her eyes veiled, but a provocative, mocking smile shadowing her mouth.

'Lanice.'

'You said that before.'

'I beg of you to consider my suit.' She innocently regarded his two thick layers of plaid.

'A new one, Mr. Trainer?'

'It pleases you to be frivolous.'

She raised her pointed chin and put out her hands with a direct, boyish grace. 'No, only silly. But it's no use. I'll never go back to Amherst and I'll never unite my fortunes with yours. Nor even have an understanding with you nor permit you to call upon