‘Providentially, no. We have the honour of standing nearest to him, and she seems to have none at all, unless they should be attracted by the scent.’
‘That is not likely,’ said Lady Adela; ‘she was a clergy orphan, and never heard of any relations.’
‘Then you really know no harm of them, in these four or five months?’ said Mrs. Bury.
‘No; except having these relations,’ said Adela.
‘Except being just sensible enough not to afford even the pleasure of laughing at them,’ said Bertha. ‘Nay, just worthy enough’—she said it spitefully—‘not even to give the relief of a good grumble.’
‘Well, I think you may be thankful!’
‘Exactly what one doesn’t want to be!’ said Bertha. ‘I like sensations. Now Letitia is going
to come down with a prediction that they are to become the blessings of our lives, so I am off!’
And as the door closed on her, Lady Adela sighed, and Mrs. Bury said—
‘Poor Birdie; is she always in that tone?’