"Why, one may as well laugh as cry, child," said Mrs. Deborah. "Yes, after twenty years of mournful constancy to the memory of her first love, my Sister Philippa is really married, and to whom do you think?"
"To Doctor Brown!" I could not help saying.
"Even so, child, but how did you hear?"
"I did not hear, Aunt Deborah, I guessed," I replied. "Amabel was shocked at me for hinting such a thing before Mrs. Philippa went away."
"You are a shrewd little puss," said Mrs. Deborah, shaking her head, but not looking at all displeased. "I never thought of such a thing."
"I am sure I did not," said Mrs. Chloe, through her tears. "She never hinted such a thing to me—I that have stood by her for so many years. I do think she might have told me, at least."
"I suppose she was ashamed," replied Mrs. Deborah. "Never mind, Chloe, we all know that poor Philippa is peculiar. I hope Doctor Brown will be as glad of his bargain five years hence as he is now."
"She said he was her spiritual adviser," said Mrs. Chloe, beginning to recover herself a little. "She said she had derived great benefit from him."
"Well, so it seems she has."
"And here is Amabel going to marry the first Church of England clergyman she ever heard preach," continued Mrs. Chloe. "I declare, I shall begin to think spiritual advisers are very dangerous people."