“You don’t suppose, Clarissa, that people settle the exact spot beforehand!”
“Really, Flossy, my experience is limited; but, as Mary says, as Arthur lives in the house with Mysie, I think he might have managed matters at home.”
“Oh, but,” said Flossy, “now he has sister on his side, you see.”
“Yes, Mary; you’re in the scrape,” said Clarissa.
“Really, my dear, I don’t see that at all. I am not responsible for Miss Crofton now, beyond her German and music lessons.”
“I suppose she might do much better,” said Clarissa.
“She couldn’t do better,” said Florence, decidedly, in her full rich voice. Will it quite detract from Flossy’s character for feminine softness if it be owned that she spoke rather loud? “Arthur has very good prospects, and is the very nicest young man I know.”
“Dear me! Flossy,” said Clarissa. “I thought you considered matrimony a mistake.”
“By no means,” emphatically returned Flossy; “when everything is suitable and people are fond of each other. I don’t think I shall ever wish to marry anyone myself; and how anyone can say life is wanting in interest I can’t conceive; but I should never be so absurd as to lay down general principles. That is where people fall into error. And besides,” she concluded heartily, “anyone could see dear little Mysie was fond of Arthur, and I am so glad she will be happy!”
“Well, there are more words than hers and Arthur’s to that,” said Clarissa.