Mrs. Poskett said simperingly, "I wanted you to be the first to hear of my betrothal."
"I hope he'll make you very happy," said Madame, cordially.
"I 'll see to that!" answered Mrs. Poskett; and her manner showed she meant it.
"Isn't it wonderful, Maman!" exclaimed Marjolaine. "An angel's wing has touched Pomander Walk, and everybody's going to be married!"
"Yes, my poor child," said Madame, and held out her hand sympathetically to draw her daughter to her heart. But Marjolaine had turned away, and was singing! Actually singing!
"In Scarlet Town—" she had begun.
"Surely, you are not going to sing!" said Madame, almost reproachfully.
"Let her, Ma'am," said Mrs. Poskett, "'t will keep her quiet."
So Marjolaine stood between her mother and Doctor Sternroyd's house, and sang.
"In Scarlet Town, where I was born
There was a fair Maid dwellin'—"