Those delightful Americans . worlds. Then I should ask him. « Mr. Val Ingham ? Why not ? I inquired again. Why, it would be ghastly! Hes such a nicefellow. Then, of course, he would understand, said I. Oh no, thats just what he wouldnt. Hewould think I didnt trust him. He would befrightfully insulted. Well, I said, you cant always trust them. Oh, in this country you can. Towards women,American men—well, they really and truly are^ youknow ; why, they have a reputation for it. I raised my eyebrows and Mrs. Adams nodded,and we both understood that towards womenAmerican men really and truly were e
Those delightful Americans . worlds. Then I should ask him. « Mr. Val Ingham ? Why not ? I inquired again. Why, it would be ghastly! Hes such a nicefellow. Then, of course, he would understand, said I. Oh no, thats just what he wouldnt. Hewould think I didnt trust him. He would befrightfully insulted. Well, I said, you cant always trust them. Oh, in this country you can. Towards women,American men—well, they really and truly are^ youknow ; why, they have a reputation for it. I raised my eyebrows and Mrs. Adams nodded,and we both understood that towards womenAmerican men really and truly were everythingthat is charming. I had heard it before; it mustbe acknowledged that they have a reputationfor it. But doesnt it put other men off, I asked, hisbeing so devoted ? What a thing to consider ! I dont want othermen on—or Val Ingham either, unless he decideshe cant live without her! Hes a lovely fellow,and I dont know anybody Id rather have for mybrother-in-law, but it must come of itself. And while he is deciding?. THOSE DELIGHTFUL AMERICANS 83 She is deciding, too, I hope, but I would bethe very last to suggest it to her. I think they areboth drifting—unconsciously. My goodness ! I exclaimed. I look every day for some awakening in her,but, Mrs. Adams confessed, I havent seen ityet. Meanwhile he comes — Most evenings. And he sends her perfectlyelegant flowers, and such chocolates. And hewouldnt go to a single At Home all last winter ifhe found out she wasnt invited. They certainlyenjoy each other—anybody can see that. Has she many — I mean is there anybodyelse? Well, no — at least I dont know what shemight have, but he takes up all her time. I see he does, I said. And how long is itsupposed to go on ? I mean, doesnt society—mothers and fathers and people—fix any limit?Say, six months or a year ? Mrs. Adams burst into laughter. No, she didntburst, it is too vulgar a term, but she laughed. How perfectly crazy! she exclaimed. Poorboys and girls! I think I s
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