‘I have known him too long to tell how he appears to strangers,’ said Theodora, as the colour mounted again.
‘Do you see much of him?’
‘He comes to Arthur’s house.’
‘You have ventured there?’ said Jane. ‘It was hard not to be able to come for the season otherwise.’
‘I came up to bring the dumb boy to the Asylum. I am staying on because I like it.’
‘Do you mean to go out with her?’
‘When she goes, I do so too, but I am not come for the season. My brother’s regiment is ordered to Windsor, and perhaps I may stay to be with her.’
‘She has more manner than last year,’ said Jane: ‘she is greatly improved in looks. You will believe me, Theodora, all I said to Mark only referred to her paleness.’
‘It won’t do, Jane,’ said her sister; ‘you only make it worse. I see how it is; Theodora has found out that her sister-in-law is a pretty little pet of a thing that does her no harm, and you have got into the wrong box by flattering her first dislike. Yes, yes, Theodora, we know Jane of old; and never could get her to see the only safe way is to tell one’s mind straight out.’
‘I don’t see it established that I did not tell Theodora my real mind,’ said Jane, quietly; ‘I always thought Mrs. Martindale pretty and elegant—’