The Charm School
"You don't really think it nice to be vulgar," Mrs. Rolles went on, "if for no other reason than because it is the one thing that Susie and I can't forgive."
"Well, if I can forgive Susie her refinement, I think she ought to be able to forgive me a nice little trace of vulgarity. We shall do very well. She can teach me to be refined and a touch of my vulgarity will improve her immensely."
Mrs. Rolles shook her head. "You would be the last person to find it an improvement," she said.
Bevans struck the tea-table lightly with his fist. "Now that's where you're wrong," he said. "I really can't see that refinement is anything but a weakness; it seems to consist entirely in things you can't do. Susie can't go out without a maid, she can't go in a trolley-car, she can't wear ready-made clothes—all liabilities. Tell me one single positive thing that her being a lady enables her to do."
Her mother, without an instant's hesitation, answered, "She can charm." She scored heavily.
Bevans groaned. There was no denying that Susie had done so in his case.
Elated by success, Mrs. Rolles pushed on:
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