Josephine thought John dull, probably well informed, and utterly without interest in anything. She felt inclined to do something desperate--to throw the cushions at him, to do anything, in short, to rouse him from his calmness. Then he made that remark about government, and his voice deepened, and his gray eyes shone, and she was aware that he had a great and absorbing interest in life, and that he could be roused in one direction at least. To do her justice, she had quick perceptions, and the impression on her mind was instantaneous. "I never thought of it like that," she said. "Do you know?" she added in a moment, "I should not have thought you took much interest in anything at all." John laughed. He was amused at the idea that he, who knew himself to be one of the most enthusiastic of mortals, should be thought indifferent; and he was amused at the outspoken frankness of the girl's remark. "You know that is just like me," continued Miss Thorn quickly. "I always say what I think, you know. I cannot help it a bit." "What a pity all the world is not like you!" said John. "It would save a great deal of trouble, I am sure." "The frump is going at last," said Josephine, in an undertone, as the ancient friend rose and showed signs of taking leave of Miss Schenectady. "There is certainly no mistake about the frankness of that speech," said John, rising to his feet and laughing again. "There is no mistaking its truth," answered Josephine. "She is the real thing--the real old-fashioned frump--we have lots of them at home." "You remind me of Heine," said John. "He said he called a spade a spade, and Herr Schmidt an ass." Miss Thorn laughed. "Exactly," she answered, "that is the knowledge of men which you say leads to power." She rose also, and there was a little stir as the old lady departed. Josephine watched John as he bowed and opened the door of the room to let the visitor out. She wondered vaguely whether she would like him, whether he might not really be a remarkable man--a fact she doubted in proportion as her aunt assured her of its truth; she liked his looks and tried to determine whether he was handsome or not, and she watched closely for any awkwardness or shyness of manner, that being the fault in a man which she never pardoned.