"Now, Nan, be sensible, and take a long breath, and tell us all about it," says Nathalie.
"Well, he owns a fine place at B——, where Em lives, and he knew her when she was a little bit of a girl. He married and went to England to live. About two years ago his wife died and this fall he returned to B——, renewed his acquaintance with Em, proposed to her, and yesterday they were married."
"What unseemly haste!" Mollie exclaims.
"No, not a bit of it. They didn't mean to be married until spring, but Mr. Hazletine was suddenly recalled to England on important business, which may keep him there several months, and he was so unhappy at leaving Em that she consented to be married at once and go with him."
"To think of it! I suppose now Emily will roll by in her carriage, wear magnificent clothes, and completely dazzle us with her jewels of inestimable value."
"So much the better, Mollie," rejoins Helen heartily. "Poor little Em has tasted of poverty all her life. Think what a relief it will be to her to have ample means."
"It is fine," cries Eleanor.
"And what in the world shall we do?" groans Nathalie with a comical glance at Nan and Mollie.
"Laugh at their love-making, and, with the hansom driver, be glad we are not in it."
"O Nan, you rowdy," laughs Jean.