"Besides, Winona is the daughter neither of the
Princess of Wales nor the Empress of Germany."
"No, she is not," said Josephine, in a tone which seemed to imply that
she was grateful for the escape. After all, who of us to-day would
give a rush to be a king or queen? What successful business or
professional man would exchange the exquisite comfort of the domestic
hearth and all the magazines for the prerogatives of royalty? I
understand perfectly what Josephine wished to express, and agreed with
her on the point. Her daughters, save for a little pomp and
circumstance, were practically the peers of any and all princesses.
"Just consider, for a moment, Winona and Miss Jacket side by side,"
Josephine continued. "Don't you see any difference between them?"
"Well, of course, Winona is an unusually handsome girl," I murmured.
"Besides, she is younger."
"Younger!" groaned Josephine, evidently believing me hopeless. "Do you
really, seriously think, Fred, that they are to be mentioned in the
same breath as ladies?"
I rather think I looked foolish and twiddled my fingers.
"If," said Josephine, with an emphasis on the conjunction, and
repeating it still more emphatically, "if it were necessary I would not
say a word. If Winona were one of seven girls, I should be sorry, but
I would not say a word.
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