‘I have told Percy of my intentions. Do you think I would alter them for this notion of Jane’s?’
‘That is my own dear Theodora! But it is not only that. They are such good people—so kind! You must not risk their good opinion, for they would be so fond of you!’
‘If their good opinion depends on narrow-minded prejudice, I do not wish for it.’
‘If she would but come a day later,’ said Georgina; ‘for I do want you to be with me very much, Theodora! I know I shall meet with nothing but mortification, if you are not. People will only make that little starched bow! And Mr. Finch has noticed your not being so much with me. But no, no, you shall not come. You shall stay and see dear, good old Lady Fotheringham! Oh! how I wish I could!’ and her breast heaved with a suppressed sob.
‘Why do you not, then, dear Georgina? Let me tell her your feeling, and—’
‘No, no, no, no! I can never see her again! Don’t talk to me about her! She belongs to another state of existence.’
‘This will not do, Georgina. It is vain to turn aside now from what will and must come on you some day.’
‘Don’t! don’t, Theodora!’ said she, petulantly. ‘Everything goes against me! There’s Jane taken to lecturing, and even Mr. Finch is growing crabbed, and declares he shall take me to vegetate in this horrid place he has bought in the country.’
‘Oh, I am so glad!’ exclaimed Theodora. ‘Now then, there is a chance for you. If you will throw yourself into the duties and pursuits—’
‘What! be squiress and Lady Bountiful; doctor old women, and lecture school-children? No, no, that may do for you, but I am at least no hypocrite!’