“I dont know what you are to do for clothes,” she said, “unless Lydia and Jane are content to wear their last winter’s dresses again this year.”
The faces of the young ladies elongated. “That’s nonsense, mamma,” said Lydia. “We cant wear those brown reps again.” Women wore reps in those days.
“You need not be alarmed,” said Elinor. “I dont want any clothes. I can go as I am.”
“You dont know what you are talking about, child,” said Mrs. McQuinch.
“A nice figure you would make in uncle Reginald’s drawing-room with that dress on!” said Lydia.
“And your hair in that state!” added Jane.
“You should remember that there are others to be considered besides yourself,” said Lydia. “How would you like your guests to look like scarecrows?”
“How could you expect Marian to go about with you, or into the Park? I suppose——”
“Here, here!” said Mr. McQuinch, putting down his paper. “Let us have no more of this. What else do you need in the Park than a riding habit? You have that already. Whatever clothes you want you had better get in London, where you will get the proper things for your money.”
“Indeed, Hardy, she is not going to pay a London milliner four prices for things she can get quite as good down here.”