“It is one of the bitter and unjust ways of the world.”
“I feel as if I should not like to be taken into favor again solely for the money. I know the setting usually displays the stone to a better advantage, but why cannot people see it before the gold begins to glitter? The only drawback to perfect happiness is that Richard’s mother and sister would not approve. Yet once Kate Fairlie and I were very good friends.”
“Kate is not really a fair test. There are others—”
“I know it. I ought to be ashamed to find any fault. But I hope I never shall forget how it feels to be crowded out of bright and pleasant things.”
There was a little stir, and a soft voice called—“Jennie.” Presently Mrs. Ryder made her appearance, and then the real visiting began. We chatted about the village people, the sick and the well, the babies and the old folks, mamma’s visit to New York which was not an old story here. I could see they too, suspected Stephen Duncan of a penchant for Fanny.
Jennie walked home with me part of the way for exercise, and we came back to Richard in our talk. She did love him very much. The money had not tempted her.
I had a thought that afternoon too. As soon as I was alone with Fan I put it into execution. First I told her of the engagement, and she rejoiced as thoroughly as I.
“Fan,” I said, “there is one thing that it would be just lovely to do, if you could manage it. If Miss Churchill and you could call on Jennie Ryder, and have it look every-day-like and social.”
“What a bright idea, Rose! Miss Churchill will like her ever so much. It is odd how many nice things you find in people when you come to know them well. We will bring the West Side over here and make them admire us.”