‘No,’ said Theodora, ‘I would have beauty as widely enjoyed and as highly appreciated as possible.’
‘And pray, if all privileges are extended to the lower classes, what is left to the higher orders?’
‘Themselves,’ said Theodora, proudly. ‘No, aunt, we only lower ourselves by exclusiveness. It is degrading to ourselves and our tastes to make them badges of vanity. Let them be freely partaken, we shall be first still. The masses cannot mount higher without raising us.’
‘A levelling theory,’ said Mrs. Nesbit.
‘No, exalting. Has Latin and Greek made Harrison a gentleman? Can even dress in better taste make Pauline look as much a lady as Miss Piper?’
‘There is a good deal in that,’ said Mrs. Nesbit. ‘Even Lady Elizabeth Brandon cannot hide her good blood, though she does her best to do so.’
‘And so does Emma,’ said Theodora.
‘Foolish girl,’ said Mrs. Nesbit, ‘I would have given anything to see her attractive.’
‘Too late now!’ said Theodora, with a look of repressed scorn and triumph.
‘Too late for ARTHUR,’ replied Mrs. Nesbit, with emphasis. ‘And you’ll never, never succeed in the other quarter!’