It was rather a nod than a bow, and indicated either that he was an old friend, or that he was scantily versed in the usual social forms.

Cecilia, who was sitting near the steps, pointed to a neighboring chair, but the young man seated himself abruptly on the floor at her feet, began to fan himself vigorously with his hat, and broke out into a lively objurgation upon the hot weather.
"I 'm dripping wet!" he said, without ceremony.
"You walk too fast," said Cecilia.

"You do everything too fast." "I know it, I know it!" he cried, passing his hand through his abundant dark hair and making it stand out in a picturesque shock.

"I can't be slow if I try.

There 's something inside of me that drives me.