It must be borne in mind, too, that Dora was by no means indifferent to Mr Jefferson. Had he suddenly ceased to pay her attentions she would have felt greatly hurt and annoyed, for she had become accustomed to his society, and always enjoyed herself very much whenever he took her out.
"Oh, Miss, what a lovely ring!" cried Mary, when she saw the trinket with which Jefferson had clinched the engagement; "oh! what gleamin' jools! What a rich gentleman he must be, Miss! Dr Mortimer couldn't give you a ring like that, Miss--he's too poor!"
Dora, who had been allowing the little servant to examine the ring (they were in her bedroom at the time, which was bedtime), drew her hand away sharply.
"Don't be so silly, Mary. You really are very stupid sometimes; you say such absurd things."
"I didn't mean anything, Miss," replied Mary, who had really spoken quite innocently; "it only came into my head, like."
"Then you have a very silly head!" exclaimed Dora.
Mary was going out of the room when Dora called her back.
"I'm so tired, Mary. Would you mind brushing my hair for me?"
"Of course I will, Miss," cried Mary (who had been pattering about since six in the morning); "I always love to do things for you, Miss!"
Dora sat down in front of the looking-glass, and Mary took her hair down and combed it and brushed it, "just like a grand lady's," as she said.