"Oh! how lucky!" she cried, when she saw him. "Now you can help me decide—such a business!"
And she led him into the drawing-room, where lengths of pink and green brocade were pinned against the wall in conspicuous places.
George admired, and gave his verdict in favour of a particular green. Then he stooped to read the ticket on the corner of the pattern, and his face fell.
"How much will you want of this stuff, Letty?" he asked her.
"Oh! for the two rooms, nearly fifty yards," said Letty, carelessly, opening another bundle of patterns as she spoke.
"It is twenty-six shillings a yard!" said George, rather gloomily, as he fell, tired, into an armchair.
"Well, yes, it is dear. But then, it is so good that it will last an age. I think I must have some of it for the sofa, too," said Letty, pondering.
George made no reply.
Presently Letty looked up.
"Why, George?—George, what is the matter? Don't you want anything pretty for this room? You never take any interest in it at all."