Dorothy Dale's Engagement by Margaret Penrose

But how can three people with all the revivifying flow of youth in their veins remain in the dumps, to use one of Tavia's own illuminating expressions. Impossible! That tea at the Holyoke House, which began so miserably, scaled upward like the notes of a coloratura soprano until they were all three chatting and laughing like old friends. Even Tavia had to forget her miserable financial state.

Dorothy believed her first impression of G. Knapp had not been wrong. Indeed, he improved with every moment of increasing familiarity.