'Oh, a tailor is too horrible! As if all trade wasn't bad enough,' said Alice, laughing; then recollecting herself she turned, blushing and confused, to Cherry—'At least—I mean—your brother makes one forget. He isn't in the least like that!'
'I never wish to forget anything he is!' said Cherry, proudly looking up to him.
'Ah! you don't know what is in my pocket!' said Felix, leaning his back against the mantleshelf.
'Oh! what!' cried Alice and Geraldine both together; while Wilmet looked at him as if she wished to put him in mind of the presence of a stranger.
'Guess!' he said.
'Somebody has left you a fortune! Oh! delightful!' cried Alice, clasping her hands.
'Mr. Thomas Underwood will take Edgar's art study on himself,' exclaimed the more moderate Geraldine.
'You burn, Cherry. It comes from that quarter. Here's a letter by the evening's post to offer me, if I have not closed with Mr. Froggatt, to invest in Kedge and Underwood's concern, and begin with £300 a year as clerk.'
'It can't be possible,' said Wilmet, the only one to speak, as the other two girls looked rather blank.
'Just so far that the deed of partnership here is not signed.'