She smiled a little but did not answer.
The affection and honoring seemed to render Fan more humble than before. She possessed a truly rich and noble nature which would not be easily puffed up with pride.
Mrs. Fairlie and Kate returned, and a few days afterward we heard that Mrs. Ogden was at her brother’s.
Kate came over to see us. She had changed indescribably. A languid society air enveloped her as a garment. She talked with a slight drawl, pronouncing her words in a very clear, delicate manner, as if she was afraid of hurting them, Nelly said. All except the r’s, which she rather ignored.
The months spent at the South had been just lovely. Such charming people, (“chawming” she said,) so much cultivation, elegant, refined manners, and oh, such dressing! How any one could exist in this dull little town she did not see. And the stay in New York had been splendid! They had become very intimate with Mrs. Ogden. We had seen Winthrop, of course. Didn’t we think him a most entertaining young man? She forgot though that we had but a very slight opportunity of judging. He had spent a number of evenings with her, and they had been out together. He was quite an eligible “parti,” with a strong French accent. The whole Churchill estate would have to be divided between him and his sister presently, since there were only old maids and old bachelors in the family. But she should not make up her mind about marrying until after she had been abroad. American girls often married very handsomely in foreign countries.
“French Counts for instance,” said Fan.
“O, but the real article was to be had. And American gentlemen traveled abroad now instead of going to native watering places. It was so much more stylish. If Dick only would go with them! Mother had tried to persuade him to hire the farm out.”
“He must be very lonesome;” said mamma.
“O, he is such an old hermit! He doesn’t care at all for society. Just give him a book, or a dog, or a lot of kittens and he is perfectly happy. He will end by being a bachelor like Mr. Churchill, yet I don’t know as that is altogether to be deplored. Since mamma has a life right there, it will be as well if there is no wife to interfere.”
She said this with the utmost complacency. I do not suppose she imagined that it had a selfish sound.