“If one person can be so fortunate, so can another,” said Algitha.
“Why tempt Providence? Rather bear the ills you have——”
“I am surprised to hear you take a gloomy view of anything, Mrs. Temperley,” said Joseph; “I always thought you so cheerful. You say funnier things than any lady I have ever met, except an Irish girl who used to sing comic songs.”
Both sisters laughed.
“How do you know that, in the intervals of her comic songs, that girl has not a gloomy disposition?” asked Hadria.
“Oh no, you can see that she is without a care in the world; she is like Miss Fullerton, always full of good cheer and kindness.”
“Had she also slums to cheer her up?” asked Hadria.
“No, not at all. She never does anything in particular.”
“I am surprised that she is cheerful then,” said Algitha. “It won’t last.”
“It is her slums that keep my sister in such good spirits,” said Hadria.