“And be advised to mind your own business.”
Nevertheless, Jane Mohun did deliver her conscience, when, on the day after the arrival, there had been loud lamentations over the intended absence of the Merrifield family. “It would have looked well to make it a double wedding, all in the family,” said Mr. White.
To which Miss Mohun only answered by a silence which Mrs. White was unwilling to break, but Maura exclaimed—
“But I thought Valetta would be sure to be my bridesmaid. Such friends as we were at the High School!”
It did not strike Miss Mohun that the friendship had been very close or very beneficial; but Adeline added, “We thought she would pair so well with Vera Prescott, and then uncle will give all the dresses—white silk with cerise trimmings. We ordered them in Paris.”
“Uncle Tom is so generous!” said Maura. “There is no end to his kindness. I’ll go and unpack some of the patterns, that Miss Mohun may see them.”
She tripped out of the room, and Jane exclaimed, “Poor child! Has Emily written to you, Ada?”
“Yes, rather stiffly. Mr. White thinks it aristocratic pride.”
“Ada, you know it is not that.”
“Well, I suppose the Greys are hardly gratified by the connection, though Mr. White will make it worth their while. You see the Duke leaves everything in his power to his daughters, so poor Roger will be very badly off.”