"I am Martin," he said.
"Are your father and mother well?" (it was lucky she did not say _papa_ and _mamma_; that would have undone all); "and Rose and Jessie?"
"I suppose so."
"My cousin Hortense is still at Briarmains?"
"Oh yes."
Martin gave a comic half-smile and demi-groan. The half-smile was responded to by the lady, who could guess in what sort of odour Hortense was likely to be held by the young Yorkes.
"Does your mother like her?"
"They suit so well about the servants they can't help liking each other."

"I am Martin," he said.
"Are your father and mother well?" (it was lucky she did not say papa and mamma; that would have undone all); "and Rose and Jessie?"
"I suppose so."
"My cousin Hortense is still at Briarmains?"
"Oh yes." Martin gave a comic half-smile and groan, which the lady responded to. She could guess what the young Yorkes thought of Hortense.
"Does your mother like her?"
"They agree so well about the servants that they can't help liking each other."
