‘I am not vexed,’ was her haughty reply, little guessing how, in her pursuit of the brother who had escaped her, she was repelling and slighting one who would gladly have turned to her for sisterly friendship. His spirits were in that state of revival when a mutual alliance would have greatly added to the enjoyment of both; but Theodora had no idea of even the possibility of being on such terms. He seemed like one of an elder generation—hardly the same relation as Arthur.
‘So, Lady Elizabeth comes,’ said Lady Martindale, as they entered the room.
‘Is she coming to stay here!’ asked John.
‘Yes; did you not hear that we have asked her to come to us for the Whitford ball?’
‘Oh, are we in for the Whitford ball?’ said Theodora, in a tone of disgust that checked the delighted look on Violet’s face.
‘Yes, my dear; your papa wishes us to go.’
‘What a bore!’ exclaimed Theodora.
‘Yes,’ sighed Lady Martindale; ‘but your papa thinks it right.’
‘A necessary evil—eh, Violet?’ said Arthur.
‘I hope you don’t mind it?’ said Violet, looking anxiously at him.