"Straightforward Miss Moore!" said she patronizingly. "It is like you to understand my question so literally and answer it so simply. _Your_ mind comprehends nothing of intrigue. Strange things might go on around you without your being the wiser; you are not of the class the world calls sharp-witted."
These equivocal compliments did not seem to please Hortense. She drew herself up, puckered her black eyebrows, but still looked puzzled.
"I have ever been noted for sagacity and discernment from childhood," she returned; for, indeed, on the possession of these qualities she peculiarly piqued herself.
"You never plotted to win a husband, I'll be bound," pursued Mrs. Yorke; "and you have not the benefit of previous experience to aid you in discovering when others plot."

"Straightforward Miss Moore!" said she patronizingly. "It is like you to understand my question so literally. You comprehend nothing of intrigue. You are not of the class the world calls sharp-witted."
At this, Hortense drew herself up and puckered her black eyebrows, but still looked puzzled.
"I have been noted for sagacity and discernment from childhood," she returned.
"You never plotted to win a husband, I'll be bound," pursued Mrs. Yorke; "and you have no experience to aid you in discovering when others plot."
