"Oh because I don't know it seems so queer! I don't like it at all. I am very sorry, indeed."
"For your aunt's sake, or for Mr. Van Brunt's sake?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you think he or she will be a loser by the bargain?"
"Why, he to be sure I think he will I don't think she will. I think he is a great deal too good. And, besides I wonder if he wants to, really it was settled so long ago maybe he has changed his mind since."
"Have you any reason to think so, Ellie?" said Alice, smiling.
"I don't know I don't think he seemed particularly glad."
"It will be safest to conclude that Mr. Van Brunt knows his own mind, my dear; and it is certainly pleasanter for us to hope so."
"But then, besides," said Ellen, with a face of great perplexity and vexation "I don't know it don't seem right! How can I ever must I do you think I shall have to call him anything but Mr. Van Brunt?"
Alice could not help smiling again.