CHAPTER XXII
A TEST
I
Posy may have been crying, but the colour and sparkle remained in her eyes; and she had arrayed herself in a smart and becoming costume, which Quinney recognized as "Sunday best." Let women decide what motive animated this preening. If she were to be turned out of Soho Square, Posy, not unreasonably, may have decided to take her prettiest frock with her. On the other hand, with equal wisdom, she may have thought that the sight of a charming young woman in all her bravery is likely to melt the heart of the sternest man. Because she appeared on this momentous morning fresh and alluring, let us not accuse her of heartlessness. If destined by Fate to lose a father, she would gain a husband. Poor Susan, limp and bedraggled, was miserably sensible that victory for her would inflict consequences more crushing than defeat.
"Goin' to church?" Quinney inquired of his daughter.
Posy replied respectfully:
"Only if driven there by you."
Tomlin, rumbling and grumbling after his dietical indiscretions, greeted the young lady with a phrase often on his lips:
"Seasonable weather for the time of year?"
Susan glanced at him scornfully, and said audibly: