“Oh, one must to busybodies. Only I do wish you wouldn’t be unhappy about it.”
“I’m not,” said the other, “so long as matters remain as they are.”
“I see what you mean, dear. People who have professionally renounced marriage ought to have some pride. They ought to observe the ethics of their profession.”
Mathilda smiled.
“I’m afraid my attitude is not so impersonal. Isn’t that somewhere in Shaw?”
“It must be,” replied the girl. “But I’m quite thrilled over the whole thing. Please forgive me for saying so. To think of Uncle Sterling being so delightfully biblical!”
She went to the table and brought the cigarettes. The older woman took one from her and laid aside her embroidery. “You’ll do something for me, you two?” she asked.
“What?”
“Get married as soon as possible.”
“Oh, my dear! I’m only nineteen.”