“Ah, I thought so! I was sure that Honor told me so. And why does not Katherine use it?”
“She has so much else to do.”
“And yet she seems to have time to go to the Madisons’ almost, if not quite every day. Katherine is selfish.”
“Oh, Aunt Sophia, I don’t think so!”
“You may not think so, but that does not alter the facts. She is both selfish and extravagant—two serious faults. It is well for all of you that she is in a fair way to make a good match, but I am sorry for the young man.”
“Why, Aunt Sophia, what do you mean?” asked Victoria, gazing at her aunt in surprise.
“My dear, you must see for yourself what I mean. I shall say no more, but it is a self-evident fact. I will talk to Honor about it. There is nothing to be said against his family, and he seems to be a very nice young man,—good manners, good-looking, and all that, but Katherine is very young.”
“Young! I should think so,” said Victoria, indignantly. “Katherine hasn’t an idea of anything of the kind, and I don’t see why it should ever have occurred to you, Aunt Sophia. Can’t people, men and women, I mean, be good friends without that being thought of?”
“Very seldom, my dear. But why you should be so disturbed by my remarks I cannot imagine. Your cheeks are flushed, and your eyes are like saucers. One would think that I had suggested something quite unusual and very much to be dreaded, instead of an event which would be most desirable in every way.”
“I don’t think it would be desirable at all!” exclaimed Victoria. “Excuse me, Aunt Sophia, for contradicting you, but I can’t help it. It would be perfectly hateful to have either Honor or Katherine married, and to Mr. Madison of all people. Oh, it couldn’t possibly be!”