There was a dreadful little pause, which Polly broke by saying
abruptly; "How is Fan?"
"Dashing, as ever. Do you know I 'm rather disappointed in Fanny,
for she don't seem to improve with her years," said Sydney, as if he
accepted the diversion and was glad of it.
"Ah, you never see her at her best. She puts on that dashing air
before people to hide her real self. But I know her better; and I
assure you that she does improve; she tries to mend her faults,
though she won't own it, and will surprise you some day, by the
amount of heart and sense and goodness she has got."
Polly spoke heartily now, and Sydney looked at her as if Fanny's
defender pleased him more than Fanny's defence.
"I 'm very glad to hear it, and willingly take your word for it.
Everybody shows you their good side, I think, and that is why you
find the world such a pleasant place."
"Oh, but I don't! It often seems like a very hard and dismal place,
and I croak over my trials like an ungrateful raven.
Pages:
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407