“I wonder you have so little curiosity, sometimes,” said Aunt Dinah, speaking now, though gravely, much more in her usual way; “you young people think you are so far away from the world of spirits, material and sceptical. You’ve never once cared to ask me for Elihu Bung. I’ll lend it to you with pleasure, while you are here. But that portion of the Almighty’s empire has no interest—is dead—for you.”
There was abundant truth in this reproach, for William indeed could not without great offence have told his aunt what rubbish he thought it all. But said he:
“I dare say it is very curious.”
“Not a bit curious; that’s not the word; it is serious and it’s certain; bread and butter is not very curious; your foot is not very curious, nor your hat; but there they are, facts! that’s all. I’m glad you say you have no present intention of marrying; in fact, dear William, the idea has caused me the most extreme anxiety, having the warning I have; as for me, however, my course is taken. I expect to be what we call a mocking spirit—yes, a mocking spirit—and I’ll play you such tricks as will make you think twice, if such an idea should be in your head. Mind, I told you, though I be dead you shan’t escape me,” and she smiled oddly, and nodded her head, and then frowned a little bit.
“But I dare say it won’t happen. Now that this Kincton Knox business has turned out a mistake—thank God—a canard. There’s no hurry; you are too young. Remember it was on the 28th of September the warning came, five years, and you count from that; but goodness knows you have time enough. I think I hear the brougham.”
William was already at the window and the gate-bell ringing.
“And William, remember, not a word to Violet about Mr. Trevor—not a hint.”
“Oh! certainly,” cried he, and he was at the hall door in time to open the carriage door, and take little Violet’s hand.
“Oh! you come?” said she smiling, and descending lightly with a bouquet of old Miss Wagget’s best flowers in her fingers. “I had not an idea—only just come, I suppose?”
“Yes, this evening: and you quite well, Violet?”