“Instead of a heavenly serenade stealing upon one’s blissful dreams—to be roused with, ‘Ma’am, the doctor’s wanted—Mrs. Fidget’s baby is cutting a tooth,’ or ‘Deacon Lumpkin has cracked his skull!’” added Belinda.
“And then such a host of low, vulgar relations—in conscience I can never visit her!” quoth Charlotte.
“Well, well, girls, I’m not sure after all but Anna has done wisely,” said Mr. Talbot. “Forbes is a fine young fellow, and will make her a good husband. Poor thing! she will have many hardships, I don’t doubt—on that account only, I wish her affections had been given to some one better able to support her in the style to which she has been accustomed.”
“I consider it, Mr. Talbot, a perfect sacrifice of her life!” said his good lady.
Such were a few of the remarks on the lady’s side, while on the part of the gentleman was heard:
“How foolish to marry a city girl! A profitable wife she’ll make, to be sure!” cried one.
“Why couldn’t he have married one of his own folks, I should like to know!” said a second.
“Well, one thing is pretty certain; Rupert Forbes never will be beforehand—he has got to be poor enough all his days, and it is a pity, for he is a clever lad!” exclaimed a third.
“And I warrant she will hold her head high enough above her neighbors,” chimed in a fourth.
“Pride must have a fall—that’s one comfort”—added another, “and I guess it wont be long first, either!”