“Yes,” said Margaret, “I have lived there for several years.”
“Oh! London and the Alhambra are the two places I long to see!”
“London and the Alhambra!”
“Yes! ever since I read the Tales of the Alhambra. Don’t you know them?”
“I don’t think I do. But surely, it is a very easy journey to London.”
“Yes; but somehow,” said Fanny, lowering her voice, “mamma has never been to London herself, and can’t understand my longing. She is very proud of Milton; dirty, smoky place as I feel it to be. I believe she admires it the more for those very qualities.”
“If it has been Mrs. Thornton’s home for some years, I can well understand her loving it,” said Margaret, in her clear, bell-like voice.
“What are you saying about me, Miss Hale? May I inquire?”
Margaret had not the words ready for an answer to this question, which took her a little by surprise, so Miss Thornton replied:
“Oh, mamma! we are only trying to account for your being so fond of Milton.”