"I beg," said Nina, rising, "the gentlemen will excuse me a moment or two."
Clayton replied by a grave bow, while Mr. Carson, with great empressement, handed Nina to the door. The moment it was closed, she stamped, with anger, in the entry.
"The provoking fool! to take these airs with me! And I, too—I deserve it! What on earth could make me think I could tolerate that man?"
As if Nina's cup were not yet full, Aunt Nesbit followed her to her chamber with an air of unusual graciousness.
"Nina, my dear, he has told me all about it! and I assure you I'm very much pleased with him!"
"Told you all about what?" said Nina.
"Why, your engagement, to be sure! I'm delighted to think you've done so well! I think your Aunt Maria, and all of them, will be delighted! Takes a weight of care off my mind!"
"I wish you wouldn't trouble yourself about me, or my affairs, Aunt Nesbit!" said Nina. "And, as for this old pussy-cat, with his squeaking boots, I won't have him purring round me, that's certain! So provoking, to take that way towards me! Call me Nina, and talk as though he were lord paramount of me, and everything here! I'll let him know!"
"Why, Nina! Seems to me this is very strange conduct! I am very much astonished at you!"
"I dare say you are, aunt! I never knew the time I didn't astonish you! But this man I detest!"