Kissing the Rod: A Novel. (Vol. 2 of 3)

Transcriber's Notes: 1. Page scan source: Google Books https://books.google.com/books?id=w8gBAAAAQAAJ (Oxford University)
2. Scan of page 270 (particularly the first paragraph) is very poor. I believe my reading is reasonably accurate.
I wish you were going to the wedding, dearest Hester, said Ellen Streightley to Miss Gould, as the two girls stood in attitudes of critical examination before a heap of gay-looking wearing-apparel, which was destined to resolve itself into the costume of a modern bridesmaid.
You have said that several times already, Ellen, returned her friend, with a touch of impatience in her voice very unusual to her. But you know I can't be at your brother's wedding, so there is no good wishing about it.
Well, I think Robert might have asked Miss Guyon for an invitation for my dearest friend. I can't understand his standing on such extreme ceremony with her. He really seems afraid of every mortal thing he says and does, lest he may offend her; and I don't think she's bad-tempered either. I'm sure I hope not, for Robert has never had to put up with a bad temper, and he'd be sure to be miserable. O Hester! said Ellen, with a sudden gush of feeling, what should we do if she did not make Robert happy!
Miss Gould replied in rather a hard voice: But there's no danger of that, is there, Ellen? Miss Guyon is very handsome, and very fashionable, and very clever; and your brother is--what is the proper phrase?--desperately in love with her, is he not?
Why, of course he is, Hester; you can see that for yourself.
And she is desperately in love with him, I suppose?
I suppose she is, said Ellen, and this time her tone was impatient; but no doubt fashionable people have a fashionable way of being in love. I only know it's not mine, and it is not Decimus's, and I'm glad of it. I wouldn't have him hesitating about what he might and what he might not ask me to do, I can tell you, for any thing. What nonsense it all is, as if Miss Guyon mightn't just as well make your acquaintance now as afterwards! she will know all about you then, I suppose.