Page:The Awkward Age (New York, Harper and Brothers, 1899).djvu/292

THE AWKWARD AGE Little by little it grows and grows. There are old things everywhere that are too delightful. He lets me explore so—he lets me rummage and rifle; and every day I make discoveries."

Vanderbank wondered as he smoked. "You mean he lets you take things—?"

"Oh yes—up to my room, to study or to copy. There are old patterns that are too dear for anything. It's when you live with them, you see, that you know. Everything in the place is such good company."

"Your mother ought to be here," Vanderbank presently suggested. "She's so fond of good company." Then as Nanda answered nothing he went on: "Was your grandmother ever?"

"Never," the girl promptly said. "Never," she repeated in a tone quite different. After which she added: "I'm the only one."

"Oh, and I. 'Me and you,' as they say," her companion amended.

"Yes, and Mr. Mitchy, who's to come down—please don't forget—this afternoon."

Vanderbank had another of his contemplative pauses. "Thank you for reminding me. I shall spread myself as much as possible before he comes—try to produce so much of my effect that I shall be safe. But what did Mr. Longdon ask him for?"

"Ah," said Nanda gaily, "what did he ask you for?"

"Why, for the reason you just now mentioned—that his interest in me is so uncontrollable."

"Then isn't his interest in Mitchy—"

"Of the same general order?" Vanderbank broke in. "Not in the least." He seemed to look for a way to express the distinction, which suddenly occurred to him. "He wasn't in love with Mitchy's mother."

"No"—Nanda turned it over. "Mitchy's mother, it appears, was awful. Mr. Cashmore knew her." 282