Dodd looked over
the card-tray and enumerated the visitors that had called during their
absence. "Dr. Short-- Mr. Osmond--Mrs. Hetherington--Mr. Alfred
Hardie--Lady Dewry--Mrs. and Miss Bosanquet. What a pity Edward was not
at home, dear; Mr. Alfred Hardie's visit must have been to him."
"Oh, of course, mamma."
"A very manly young gentleman."
"'Oh, yes. No. He is so rude."
"Is he? Ah! he was ill just then, and pain irritates gentlemen; they are
not accustomed to it, poor Things."
"That is like you, dear mamma; making excuses for one." Julia added
faintly, "But he is so impetuous."
"I have a daughter who reconciles me to impetuosity. And he _must_ have a
good heart, he was so kind to my boy."
Julia looked down smiling; but presently seemed to be seized with a
spirit of contradiction: she began to pick poor Alfred to pieces; he was
this, that, and the other; and then so bold, she might say impudent.
Mrs. Dodd replied calmly that he was very kind to her boy.
"Oh, mamma, you cannot approve all the words he spoke."
"It is not worth while to remember all the words young gentlemen speak
now-a-days.
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