I've hardly spoken to him yet."
"No.
But you've made up your mind," said the other girl. "What's the attraction, Maisie?"
"I don't know," said Maisie Wetterman slowly.
"He's - different."
"Different?"
"Yes.
I can't explain.
He's good-looking, you know, in a queer sort of way, but it's not that.
He's a way of not seeing you're there.
Really, I don't believe he as much as glanced at me that day in father's office."
Allegra laughed. "That's an old trick.
Rather an astute young man, I should say."
"Allegra, you're hateful!"
"Cheer up, darling.
Father will buy a wooly lamb for his little Maisiekins."
"I don't want it to be like that."
"Love with a capital L. Is that it?"
"Why shouldn't he fall in love with me?"
"No reason at all.
I expect he will."
Allegra smiled as she spoke, and let her glance sweep over the other. Maisie Wetterman was short - inclined to be plump - she had dark hair, well shingled and artistically waved. Her naturally good complexion was enhanced by the latest colors in powder and lipstick. She had a good mouth and teeth, dark eyes, rather small and twinkly, and a jaw and chin slightly on the heavy side. She was beautifully dressed.
"Yes," said Allegra, finishing her scrutiny.
"I've no doubt he will.
The whole effect is really very good, Maisie."
Her friend looked at her doubtfully.
"I mean it," said Allegra.
"I mean it - honor bright. But just supposing, for the sake of argument, that he shouldn't.
Fall in love, I mean.
Suppose his affection to become sincere, but platonic.
What then?"
"I may not like him at all when I know him better."
"Quite so.
On the other hand you may like him very much indeed. And in that latter case -"
Maisie shrugged her shoulders.
"I should hope I've too much pride -"
Allegra interrupted. "Pride comes in handy for masking one's feelings - it doesn't stop you from feeling them."
"Well," said Maisie, flushed.
"I don't see why I shouldn't say it.
I am a very good match.
I mean from his point of view, father's daughter and everything." "Partnership in the offing, et cetera," said Allegra.
"Yes, Maisie.
You're father's daughter, all right.
I'm awfully pleased. I do like my friends to run true to type."
The faint mockery of her tone made the other uneasy.
"You are hateful, Allegra."
"But stimulating, darling.
That's why you have me here.
I'm a student of history, you know, and it always intrigued me why the court jester was permitted and encouraged.
Now that I'm one myself, I see the point.