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Bates, Arlo, 1850-1918

"The Puritans"

"
"Heaven forbid that I should take her as my exemplar!" Berenice flung
back with unnecessary fervor.
"Well," Mrs. Staggchase observed good-humoredly, "there are things in
which it is conceivable that you might find a better model. By the way,
what did Cousin Maurice say to you when you gave him that german favor?
Of course I haven't any right to ask, but you see I am interested in
bringing the boy up properly."
Berenice flushed with confusion and vexation.
"It was something no gentleman would have said!"
"Ah," the other returned with perfect calmness, "that is the danger of
doing an unladylike thing. It is so apt to provoke an ungentlemanly
return. Men, you know, my dear, haven't the fine instincts that we
have. However, I'm sorry that Maurice didn't behave better than you
did. Good-night, dear."
Mrs. Staggchase had hardly gone when Parker Stanford came up with a
favor.
"I am tired, Mr. Stanford," Berenice said. "Thank you, but you had
better ask some one else."
"I'd rather sit it out with you," he answered.
"Nonsense; one doesn't sit out turns in the german."
"They do if they wish.


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