‘I wish you joy of them,’ said Theodora.
‘So you shall, when you see them; and that she may, off with you, Mark, or the post will go.’
‘My cousin is a despot,’ said Mark, moving off, with a bow to Theodora; Mrs. Finch, following, spoke a few words, and then shut him into the other room.
‘Poor Mark’’ said Jane, in the interval. ‘We have brought him home. He has had a little property left him, and means to clear off his debts and make a fresh beginning. His poor mother is so delighted!’
‘The coast is clear,’ said Mrs. Finch, returning. ‘Now, Theodora, is it true that you are going to be married?’
Point blank questions did not excite Theodora’s blushes; and she composedly answered,
‘Some time or other.’
‘There! I knew it could not be true,’ cried Jane.
‘What is not true?’ said Theodora.
‘Not that you are going to have the curate!’ said Mrs. Finch. ‘Jane, Jane, that has brought the rouge! Oh! I hope and trust it is not the curate.’