“I didn’t want my good times cut short then, mamma, and have to take up proprieties — or at least I would have had to be dreadfully proper for a while, anyway — and now — why I have to be naturally; and here I am unable to come out for another year yet and my hair streaming down my back all the time. I’m sure I can’t see how my chances are in the least improved by it all; and by that time I shall be so old.”

“Oh, you will be quite young enough,” said David.

“You occupy a far different position now, child. To make your d�but as Lady Laura will give you quite another place in the world. Your headstrong postponement, fortunately, will do no harm. It will make your introduction to the circle where you are eventually to move, much simpler.”