‘There is nothing bad, my dear aunt, in being particular about what you eat.’
‘Nothing in the world, or I should be a great sinner. We both like nice things, both Mab and I.’
‘Oh,’ said Lord Will—‘but I am not surprised,’ he added—‘not even that my cousin should show so much sense: for when she has had the advantage of being trained by such a mother——’
Lady William burst into a laugh. His compliments pleased her, as showing how complete was her own victory; but he amused her still more.
‘Let us hope that Mab will continue to show that she has profited by that training,’ she said.
‘Oh, ah,’ said Lord Will; ‘now, of course, you will take her to town. My mother, indeed, wanted to know if she could do anything for you about that—look out for a house, or see after rooms, or that sort of thing?’
‘Lady Portcullis is very kind. I am not sure if I shall make any move this year. Mab is only seventeen; there is plenty of time.’
‘That is just what my mother thought,’ said Lord Will.
Lady William could not restrain another laugh. The kindness of Lady Portcullis, and her desire to be useful, were profoundly amusing to her.
‘Your mother is too kind to take my plans into consideration,’ she said.