Note 1. The use of the subjunctive with when and until, now obsolete, was correct English until the present century was some thirty years old.
Chapter Eleven.
Cary in a new Character.
“God has a few of us whom He whispers in the ear.”
Browning.
I feel more and more certain that something is wrong in Charles Street. The invitation is declined, not by Hatty herself, but in a note from Mrs Crossland: “Miss Hester Courtenay has so sad a catarrh that it will not be safe for her to venture out for some days to come.” (Note 1.)
“Why, Cary, that is a disappointment for you,” said my Uncle Charles, kindly. “I think, Madam, as Hester cannot come, Mrs Crossland might have offered a counter-invitation to Caroline.”
“It would have been well-bred,” said Grandmamma. “Mrs Crossland is not very well connected. She was the daughter or niece of an archdeacon, I believe; rather raised by her marriage. I am sorry you are disappointed, child.”
This was a good deal for Grandmamma to say, and I thanked her.