May raised her head at length, kissed Fanny gently upon the lips, smoothed her black hair for a moment with her delicate hand, half smiled through her tears as she thought that after this indication of affection she should have such a pleasant intercourse with her sister, and then pushed her softly away, saying,
“Mr. Dinks is waiting for you, Fanny.”
Fanny said nothing, but drew her veil over her face, and Mr. Dinks handed her into the carriage.
CHAPTER XXXV. — MOTHER-IN-LAW AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW.
Mrs. Dinks and Hope Wayne sat together in their lodgings, waiting impatiently for Alfred’s return. They were both working busily, and said little to each other. Mrs. Dinks had resolved to leave New York at the earliest possible moment. She waited only to have a clear explanation with her son. Hope Wayne was also waiting for an explanation. She was painfully curious to know why Alfred Dinks had told his mother that they were engaged. As her Aunt Dinks looked at her, and saw how noble and lofty her beauty was, yet how simple and candid, she was more than ever angry with her, because she felt that it was impossible she should ever have loved Alfred.
They heard a carriage in the street. It stopped at the door. In a moment the sound of a footstep was audible.
“My dear, I wish to speak to Alfred alone. I hear his step,” said Mrs. Dinks.
“Yes, aunt,” answered Hope Wayne, rising, and taking her little basket she moved toward the door. Just as she reached it, it opened, and Alfred Dinks and Fanny Newt entered. Hope bowed, and was passing on.