Old Mr. Davenant's money - Tapa blanda

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1908 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XV Ellen Walters Swaying Vines. MY third afternoon reception! "Tea," from--I forget the hours, at the Hues'. We went at half past five. I had enjoyed the other receptions so much--but this was different; there was such a great crowd of ladies all talking at once, and looking so bored. (But people do look bored a great deal, it seems to me; bored and discontented. I wonder why?) Mr. Leith and Garronne escorted Cousin Cynthia and me, but they left us almost immediately. Mrs. Hue cried out with joy over the advent of "two men!" and carried Mr. Leith off to introduce him to some important dowager whom, she said laughingly, he was to entertain for her. The Misses Hue and a bevy of lovely girls surrounded Garry in a trice, and Cousin Cynthia and I were left alone. She was amused. I felt uncomfortable, but I am thankful that this foolish feeling was not detected by Cousin Cynthia. "Comical, aren't they, Lena," she said, "these modern manners? Don't exert yourself, child, but find a snug corner and amuse yourself looking on. Roche and Garry are furious! How stupid women are!" And the next moment she was surrounded by the mothers of the pretty girls who like Paul so much. I did as she bade me, and slipped into a seat placed behind a screen, in a corner near a window. It was a corner arranged for a tete-a-tete, but I knew it would not be needed--there were so few men. (It seems a great pity this scarcity of men, not only at afternoon "teas," but everywhere. They are much, much needed. I find men more agreeable than women and girls. Perhaps because they do not ask me so many questions about my opinions and feelings, or tell me so much about their own. Men have a pleasant way of taking me as they find me, and getting along with my...