“Yes. It wouldn’t have troubled me. Steve was not a bit anxious; so I should have let it go without a sigh. There is nothing like resignation in this world.”
“You are an admirable pattern of it,” said Fanny. “I feel tempted to envy you. I have another fortnight of school; and fearful examinations are hanging over my devoted head.”
“Couldn’t I go in your stead? I am fresh from it all, and might save you much vanity and vexation of spirit.”
“Especially the vanity. Your kindness is only exceeded by your great beauty. Shakespeare.”
“Fanny!” said papa.
Mamma rose from the table, and prepared a dainty breakfast upon a waiter, pouring the coffee in a pretty medallion cup that had been given her at Christmas. Then she took it herself. Stuart sprang up with an instinct of gentlemanliness.
“You are not going to carry that up stairs?” he asked, in surprise.
“Why not?”
“If you are not going to send a servant, I will take it.”
“You may carry it for me, if you like; but I wish to make a call upon your brother.”