"Peggy," said Angélique, "I hear Jules Vigo inquiring for you in the
hall."

"Then I shall take to the roof," responded Peggy.

"Have some regard for Jules."

"You may have, but I shan't. I will not dance with a kangaroo."

"Do you not promise dances ahead?" inquired Maria.

"No, our mothers do not permit that," answered Angélique. "It is
sometimes best to sit still and look on."

"That means, Miss Jones," explained Peggy, "that she has set a fashion
to give the rest of the girls a chance. I wouldn't be so mealy-mouthed
about cutting them out. But Angélique has been ruined by waiting so much
on her tante-gra'mère. When you bear an old woman's temper from dawn
till dusk, you soon forget you're a girl in your teens."

"Don't abuse the little tante-gra'mère."

"She gets praise enough at our house. Mother says she's a discipline
that keeps Angélique from growing vain. Thank Heaven, we don't need such
discipline in our family."

"It is my father's grand-aunt," explained Angélique to Maria, "and when
you see her, mademoiselle, you will be surprised to find how well she
bears her hundred years, though she has not been out of her bed since I
can remember. Mademoiselle, I hope I never shall be very old."