That's a cute kind of castle there that I never noticed before.
I wish Dr Bessner was here, he'd tell me what it was."
"How you can stand that old fool beats me," said Ferguson gloomily.
"Why, he's just one of the kindest men I've ever met!"
"Pompous old bore."
"I don't think you ought to speak that way."
The young man gripped her suddenly by the arm.
They were just emerging from the temple into the moonlight.
"Why do you stick being bored by fat old men - and bullied and snubbed by a vicious old harridan?"
"Why, Mr Ferguson!"
"Haven't you got any spirit?
Don't you know you're just as good as she is?"
"But I'm not!" Cornelia spoke with honest conviction.
"You're not as rich; that's all you mean."
"No, it isn't.
Cousin Marie's very, very cultured, and -"
"Cultured!" The young man let go of her arm as suddenly as he had taken it. "That word makes me sick."
Cornelia looked at him in alarm.
"She doesn't like you talking to me, does she?" asked the young man.
Cornelia blushed and looked embarrassed.
"Why?
Because she thinks I'm not her social equal!
Pah!
Doesn't that make you see red?"
Cornelia faltered out,
"I wish you wouldn't get so mad about things."
"Don't you realize - and you an American - that everyone is born free and equal?"
"They're not," said Cornelia with calm certainty.
"My good girl, it's part of your constitution!"
"Cousin Marie says politicians aren't gentlemen," said Cornelia. "And of course people aren't equal.
It doesn't make sense.
I know I'm kind of homely looking, and I used to feel mortified about it sometimes, but I've got over that.
I'd like to have been born elegant and beautiful like Mrs Doyle, but I wasn't, so I guess it's no use worrying."
"Mrs Doyle!" exclaimed Ferguson with deep contempt. "She's the sort of woman who ought to be shot as an example."
Cornelia looked at him anxiously.
"I believe it's your digestion," she said kindly. "I've got a special kind of pepsin that Cousin Marie tried once.
Would you like to try it?"
Mr Ferguson said, "You're impossible!"
He turned and strode away.
Cornelia went on toward the boat.
Just as she was crossing onto the gangway, he caught her up once more.
"You're the nicest person on the boat," he said. "And mind you remember it."
Blushing with pleasure Cornelia repaired to the observation saloon.
Miss Van Schuyler was conversing with Dr Bessner - an agreeable conversation dealing with certain royal patients of his.
Cornelia said guiltily,
"I do hope I haven't been a long time, Cousin Marie."
Glancing at her watch the old lady snapped:
"You haven't exactly hurried, my dear.
And what have you done with my velvet stole?"
Cornelia looked round.