‘Let me see, they were afraid the boy was deaf and dumb.’
‘Yes, he is, poor little fellow, and Theodora teaches him most successfully.’
‘Well done! I knew the good would work out. How tall she is! and she looks as full of spirit as ever. She has had a season in London, I suppose!’
‘Yes, she went out a great deal this spring.’
‘And it has not spoilt her?’
‘O no!’ cried Violet, warmly, feeling as if she had known him all her life, ‘she is more eager than ever in her parish work. She spares no trouble. She got up at four one morning to sit with old Betty Blain, that her daughter might get a little rest.’
‘That head and brow are a fine study. She has grown up more striking than even I thought she would. Curious to see the difference between natural pride and assumed,’ and he glanced from Theodora to her mother. ‘How well Lady Martindale preserves! She always looks exactly the same. Who is that chattering in John’s ear?
‘Miss Marstone, a friend of Miss Brandon’s.’
‘What makes her go about such a figure?’
‘She is very good.’