"You are so much younger than so many of us that are girls," said Guss, thinking to get out of the little difficulty in that way. "And then it's all fish that comes to his net." She hardly knew what she was saying, but was anxious to raise some feeling that should prevent any increased intimacy between her own lover and Lady George. It was nothing to her whether or no she offended Lady George Germain. If she could do her work without sinning against good taste, well; but if not, then good taste must go to the wall. Good taste certainly had gone to the wall. "Upon my word, I can hardly understand you!" Then Lady George turned away to her father. "Well, papa, has Miss Mildmay persuaded you to come to the Institute with me?" "I am afraid I should hardly be admitted, after what I have just said." "Indeed you shall be admitted, Mr. Dean," said the old woman. "We are quite of the Church's way of thinking, that no sinner is too hardened for repentance." "I am afraid the day of grace has not come yet," said the Dean. "Papa," said Lady George, as soon as her visitors were gone, "do you know I particularly dislike that younger Miss Mildmay." "Is she worth being particularly disliked so rapidly?" "She says nasty, impudent things. I can't quite explain what she said." And again Lady George blushed. "People in society now do give themselves strange liberty;--women, I think, more than men. You shouldn't mind it." "Not mind it?" "Not mind it so as to worry yourself. If a pert young woman like that says anything to annoy you, put her down at the time, and then think no more about it. Of course you need not make a friend of her." "That I certainly shall not do."