“Never mind. Make no more excuses. I see how it is. You always were jealous of Fred’s liking for me. And of course when he goes down to Mostyn you would prefer me to be absent.”
“Good-by, Dora! I have a deal of shopping to do, and there is not much time before the ball, for many things will be to make.”
“The ball! What ball?”
“Only one at Rawdon Court. The neighbors have been exceedingly kind to us, and the Squire is going to give a dinner and ball on the first of August.”
“Sit down and tell me about the neighbors—and the ball.”
“I cannot. I promised Ruth to be back at five. Our modiste is to see us at that hour.”
“So Ruth is with you! Why did she not call on me?”
“Did you think I should come to London alone? And Ruth did not call because she was too busy.”
“Everyone and everything comes before me now. I used to be first of all. I wish I were in Newport with dad and mamma; even Bryce would be a comfort.”
“As I said before, you have Mr. Stanhope.”