"One of your white dresses."
"I have only white silk, that is too much."
"You can make it simpler; you can take away ornaments and flowers. I want to see you in white again. I am perfectly tired of that black dress which you put on every evening."
I left mother soon afterwards, and the rest of the day proceeded in the usual routine. I would not confess even to myself that I was glad I was going to the Lyceum with Mr. Randolph and mother, but when I saw a new interest in her face and a brightness in her voice, I tried to be pleased on her account. After all, she was the one to be considered. If it gave her pleasure it was all as it should be.
When I went upstairs finally to dress for this occasion, which seemed in the eyes of Jane Mullins to be a very great occasion, she (Jane) followed me to my door. I heard her knock on the panels, and told her to come in with some impatience in my voice.
"Now that is right," she said; "I was hoping you would not put on that dismal black. Young things should be in white."
"Jane," I said, turning suddenly round and speaking with great abruptness, "what part of the cake do you suppose Mr. Randolph represents?"
Jane paused for a moment; there came a twinkle into her eyes.
"Well, now," she said, "I should like to ask you that question myself, say in a year's time."
"I have asked it of you now," I said; "answer, please."