As she was about to ascend the stairs, Mrs. Delancey's maid met her, with the message that her mother desired an interview.
"Say to my mother, that I beg to be excused for a few moments, but will be with her presently," said Della, proceeding up the stairs.
The girl obeyed, but returned immediately, and over-taking Della on the stairs, said:—
"Mistress says you must come instantly, Miss; that she wishes to see you before you go to your room."
Dispelling, as far as possible, all traces of agitation, Della returned to her mother's apartment. The moment Mrs. Delancey's eyes fell upon her child's features, she held out her hand, with a bland smile, exclaiming:—
"Ah, Dort, I see how it is, dear; couldn't get through with a proposal without crying a little, eh? Rather un
dignified, I must say, but perfectly natural for unexperienced girls, I suppose. Allow me to congratulate you."
Della pressed the hand her mother gave, and made an effort to speak; but choked, faltered, and failed entirely, bursting into a violent fit of weeping instead.
"Really, my child, you surprise—you shock me; if you can't behave any better now, what will you ever do at the wedding? Really, I am ashamed of you! At your age I had received seven offers, and never shed a tear!"
"Perhaps you didn't accept them, Madam; and so, sever the ties which bound you to father and mother, and home," said Minnie, who had entered just in time to hear Mrs. Delancey's last remark.