“I don’t think I could do that very well, as they only amount to five dollars a week. Mr. Briggs offered to pay my board, and let me use this for other expenses. I don’t like to have him do it, but he insists upon it.”
“That seems kind,” said Mr. Vivian. “Was it your idea, or his, to go to a boarding-house?”
“I suspect,” said Gilbert, hesitating, for he was not clear whether he ought to tell this, “that it was Mrs. Briggs’ idea. From the first, she has not seemed to like me.”
“I don’t like her looks,” said Laura; “I have seen her several times. You know, papa, she was at the same hotel with us at Saratoga. She looks cross.”
“You must not speak too hastily against people, Laura,” said Mrs. Vivian.
“I suspect Laura only shares the general feeling,” said Mr. Vivian. “Mrs. Briggs is, by no means, a favorite in society.”
“Nor Randolph, either,” added Laura.
“I thought he was a beau of yours, Laura,” said her father, slyly.
“He never was, papa. I used to meet him at dancing-school, and I have danced with him there; but that is the end of our acquaintance. If he bows to me I bow back, but I don’t care to know any more of him.”
“Can’t we have a little music, Laura?” asked her father.