“Uncle is sorry for the Hague ladies,” said Leida. “But remember, uncle, they’re very hard to please.”
“I think I shall have to run off with one. What would you do, Van Arlen, if a fellow ran off with one of your daughters?”
“Prigson, my daughters are far too well brought up, ever to be exposed to the danger of such a thing.”
“But supposing a man comes and proposes in due form?”
“I think it’s going to rain,” said Marie.
“Dear me! isn’t that picture hanging all on one side,” exclaimed Hendriek, at the same moment.
“Mamma, have you noticed that the edge of the tablecloth is all ravelled out here?” asked Hortense.
Frederica rose to pick up her napkin, which she had dropped.
“Shall we have tea in the front or back room, mamma?” asked Antoinette, whose turn it was to see to the housekeeping this week; and they rose, followed by Caroline, who went over to mamma, to whisper a very confidential communication with regard to a ribbon in the latter’s cap. Leida was lighting a spill for papa. “You might as well ask, uncle, what is the amount of the dowry papa is going to give us,” she said, handing Uncle Prigson a light at the same time.
“Pretty girls need no dowry,” answered Prigson.