"Why do you tolerate her?" Croyden asked. "Why don't you throw her out of society, metaphorically speaking."
"We can't: she belongs--which is final with us, you know. Moreover, she has imposed on some, with her assumption of superiority, and they kowtow to her in a way that is positively disgusting."
"Why don't you, and the rest who dislike her, snub her?"
"Snub _her_! You can't snub her--she never takes a snub to herself. If you were to hit her in the face, she would think it a mistake and meant for some one else."
"Then, why not do the next best thing--have fun with her?"
"We do--but even that grows monotonous, with such a mountain of Egotism--she will stay for the Bridge this evening, see if she doesn't--and never imagine she's not wanted." Then she laughed: "I think if she does I'll give her to you!"
"Very good!" said he. "I'd rather enjoy it. If she is any more cantankerous than some of the women at the Heights, she'll be an interesting study. Yes, I'll be glad to play a rubber with her."
"If you start, you'll play the entire evening with her--we don't change partners, here."
"Look on--at the _other_ table. She will have my place. I was going to play with you."
"Then the greater the sacrifice I'm making, the greater the credit I should receive."
"It depends--on how you acquit yourself," she said gayly. "There are the others, now--come along."
There were six of them. Miss Tilghman, Miss Lashiel and Miss Tayloe, Mr. Dangerfield, Mr. Leigh, and Mr. Byrd. They all had heard of Croyden's arrival, in Hampton, and greeted him as they would one of themselves. And it impressed him, as possibly nothing else could have done--for it was distinctly new to him, after the manners of chilliness and aloofness which were the ways of Northumberland.
"We are going to play Bridge, Miss Erskine, will you stay and join us?" asked Miss Carrington.
"I shall be charmed! charmed!" was the answer. "This is an ideal evening for Bridge, don't you think so, Mr. Croyden?"
"Yes, that's what we _thought_!" said Miss Tilghman, dryly.
"And who is to play with me, dear Davila?" Miss Erskine inquired.
"How nice of you! But I warn you, Mr. Croyden, I am a very exacting partner. I may find fault with you, if you violate rules--just draw your attention to it, you know, so you will not let it occur again. I cannot abide blunders, Mr. Croyden--there is no excuse for them, except stupidity, and stupidity should put one out of the game."