"I don't congratulate people on marriage."
"You are a cynic."
"No, but my eyes are open; there was a time when they were closed like yours."
"It is a pity," said Jane softly. "I hope mine will always remain shut."
"Let us hope so," returned Nanty a little bitterly.
"I thought we were to discuss Jane's wedding gown," said mother plaintively, bringing us back to actualities.
She fetched two big bundles of patterns from a side-table and handed them to Jane.
"Before we begin," said the latter, turning again to Nanty, "won't you change your mind and congratulate me?"
"I'll congratulate Dr. Renton, if that will satisfy you."
"But it won't. I think I am quite as much, if not more, to be congratulated than he."