'I am afraid I know whom you mean. But he has no generosity in him.'
'And his sister helps to make him jealous.'
'I am afraid she does; but though it is very sad, one can't wonder at her preference of the great to the small.'
'Poor girl, I wonder how she will get on when there is a new inmate in the happy family.'
'Ha! you shocking old gossip, what have you found out now?'
'Negotiation for the introduction of a Pug dog from the best circles—eh?'
'Well, if he were alone in the world, it would be a capital match.'
'So she thinks, I fancy; but £600 a year might do better than purchase so many incumbrances. Depend upon it, the late lamented will remain in the ascendant till there are no breakers ahead.'
In process of time, ladies, volunteers, and all, were assembled in the great music-room for the concert; and Ethel, having worked hard in the service of the company, thought her present duty lay with the sick child, and quietly crept away, taking, however, one full view of the entire scene, partly for her own satisfaction, partly in case Margaret should be inclined to question her on what every one was doing.
There was the orchestra, whose erection Richard had superintended; there was the conductor in his station, and the broad back of the Cathedral organist at the piano, the jolly red visages of the singing men in their ranks, the fresh faces of the choristers full of elation, the star from London, looking quiet and ladylike, courteously led to her place by George Rivers himself. But, for all his civility, how bored and sullen he looked! and how weary were poor Flora's smiles, though her manner was so engaging, and her universal attention so unremitting! What a contrast to the serene, self-enfolded look of happiness and prosperity on the pretty youthful face of Blanche, her rich delicate silk spreading far beyond the sofa where she sat among the great ladies; and her tall yellow-haired husband leaning against the wall behind her, in wondering contemplation of his Blanche taking her place in her own county.