A brave little
person, with lively perceptions, and yet a disbelief in her own
talent for social, as distinguished from practical, affairs--this was
his rapid mental resume of Mrs. Montgomery, who, as he saw, was
flattered by what she regarded as the honour of his visit. Mrs.
Montgomery, in her little red house in the Second Avenue, was a
person for whom Dr. Sloper was one of the great men, one of the fine
gentlemen of New York; and while she fixed her agitated eyes upon
him, while she clasped her mittened hands together in her glossy
poplin lap, she had the appearance of saying to herself that he quite
answered her idea of what a distinguished guest would naturally be.
She apologised for being late; but he interrupted her.
"It doesn't matter," he said; "for while I sat here I had time to
think over what I wish to say to you, and to make up my mind how to
begin."
"Oh, do begin!" murmured Mrs. Montgomery.
"It is not so easy," said the Doctor, smiling. "You will have
gathered from my letter that I wish to ask you a few questions, and
you may not find it very comfortable to answer them."
"Yes; I have thought what I should say. It is not very easy."
"But you must understand my situation--my state of mind. Your
brother wishes to marry my daughter, and I wish to find out what sort
of a young man he is. A good way to do so seemed to be to come and
ask you; which I have proceeded to do.
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