"Never mind what her father was. What is she? I wonder you don't propose to ask her home on a visit."
"She would not disgrace——"
This was too much for Mrs. Cockayne. She stamped her foot, and bore down upon Carrie with a torrent of reasons why Miss Rowe should be held at a distance.
"You wouldn't find Theodosia behaving in such a manner. She understands what's becoming. I dare say she's not so clever as you are——"
"Dear mamma, this is cruel——"
"Don't interrupt me. No, no; I see through most things. This Miss Howe is always reading. I saw her just now with some novel, I've no doubt, which she shouldn't read——"
"It was Kingsley's——"
"Hold your tongue, child. Yes, reading, and with a pen stuck behind her ear."
"She's so very lonely: and Mrs. Howe is so very severe with her."
"I have no doubt it's quite necessary; there, go and dress for the table d'hôte, and mind what I say."