‘Oh, very well!’ said Juliana, rather offended; ‘only it should be understood what is to be done if the Charterises ask her to any of their parties. There will be such mistakes and confusion if she meets any one we know; and you particularly objected to having her brought forward.’
Phœbe’s eye was a little startled, and Bertha set her front teeth together on edge, and looked viciously at Juliana.
‘My dear, Honora Charlecote never goes out,’ said Mrs. Fulmort.
‘If she should, you understand, Phœbe,’ said Juliana.
Coffee came in at the moment, and Augusta criticized the strength of it, which made a diversion, during which Bertha slipped out of the room, with a face replete with mischievous exultation.
‘Are not you going to play to-night, my dears?’ asked Mrs. Fulmort. ‘What was that duet I heard you practising?’
‘Come, Juliana,’ said the elder sister, ‘I meant to go over it again; I am not satisfied with my part.’
‘I have to write a note,’ said Juliana, moving off to another table; whereupon Phœbe ventured to propose herself as a substitute, and was accepted.
Maria sat entranced, with her mouth open; and presently Mrs. Fulmort looked up from a kind of doze to ask who was
playing. For some moments she had no answer. Maria was too much awed for speech in the drawing-room; and though Bertha had come back, she had her back to her mother, and did not hear. Mrs. Fulmort exerted herself to sit up and turn her head.