The Charm School
"No, but it helps a lot when you've not feeling very cheerful."
When she was in complete control of a situation Mrs. Rolles could be very kind, and she felt no doubt at the present moment of the completeness of her control. "I think you know, Mr. Bevans," she said, graciously, "that I sincerely like you, that I find you a stimulating intelligence, but you must admit that you are very different from most of the young men whom Susie has about her."
"Flatterer!"
The lady stiffened. "I do not consider it a compliment to tell you you are different from the other men who come to the house. You would do well to model yourself upon them—well-bred, well-connected young people. If they have not money, they have tradition, and you, Mr. Bevans, as far as I know, have neither."
"I have a feeling I'm going to make a lot of money some day," said Bevans, but his manner betrayed a knowledge that his position was weak.
"Indeed?" returned his hostess, dryly. "Well, you know you cannot support a wife on that feeling."
There was a pause. Bevans got up—not so
[ 5 ]
