"Pooh! nonsense, child," said Miss Corbin, kindly, "don't waste your tears over an old woman like me. I've had a long life, but by no means a happy one. Quantity not quality, I suppose. If I can only see Victoria engaged to that nice Macjean boy, and persuade my nephew out of his folly, I'll not be sorry to go."
"Dr. Pargowker said you were not to see Sir Guy longer than five minutes, Miss Jelly."
"Quite long enough."
"And were not to excite yourself."
"There, there, Minnie!" said Miss Jelly, impatiently. "I'll take good care of myself, you may be sure. What time did Sir Guy say he would be here?"
"Four o'clock, dear Miss Corbin."
"It's nearly that now," observed Aunt Jelly, looking at the clock. "I hope he won't keep me waiting. Young men are so careless now-a-days. Miss Sheldon has gone out?"
"Yes! to the Academy with Mrs. Trubbles and Mr. Macjean."
"Neither of whom know anything about pictures. It means flirting, not art, I've no doubt. Well! well, we must not be too hard on the young. Let me leave the world in peace, that's all I ask."
Minnie put down her work, and came close to Miss Corbin, whose thin cold hand she took in her own.