“Why should you?”
“If I should, some time, would you advise me?”
“I would rather not.”
“By-the-way, talking of the packet, how are our friends the Lancasters getting on?”
“Rather brilliantly, I should judge. Mrs. Lancaster, especially, seems to accept her changed circumstances very cordially.”
“I am glad to hear it,” said Perdita, manifesting interest. “She was reluctant enough at first.”
“She has a singular character; not easy to fathom. Mr. Grantley probably understood her better than most people. She may have been unwilling that her husband should appear to be dependent on her. At all events, they are making preparations for a fashionable appearance in society: Lancaster’s success is assured already; and for aught I know, his wife may have it in her to make an even greater success than he.”
“What are they doing?”
“I understand they have rented a house in a desirable quarter; some additions are to be built to it, and alterations made; and then it will be furnished as taste and Providence may permit. Meanwhile, as of course you are aware, ‘Iduna’ continues to sell new editions, and all the omens are propitious.”
“What do you think of ‘Iduna’?” asked Perdita carelessly.