Mrs. T. You will have other opportunities; he announces a course of weekday addresses, at the Mission Rooms, on "The Thin End of the Wedge of Achan." Charles, I gave you one of the circulars to carry for me. Where is it?
Charles. In my overcoat, I think, Aunt. Shall I go and get it?
[Althea enters.
Mrs. T. Not now; I haven't my spectacles by me. Thea, did you tell Phœbe to pack your trunk the first thing to-morrow?
Althea. Yes, Mamma; but there is plenty of time. Cecilia doesn't expect me till the afternoon.
Charles. So Thea's going up to town for a few days' spree, eh, Aunt Cornelia?
Mrs. T. (severely). Your cousin is going on a visit to a married schoolfellow, who is her senior by two or three years, and who, I understand, was the most exemplary pupil Miss Pruins ever had. I have no doubt Mrs. Merridew will take Althea to such entertainments as are fit and proper for her—picture-galleries, museums, concerts, possibly a lecture—but I should not describe that myself as a "spree."
Charles. No more should I, Aunt, not by any means.
Mrs. T. I never met this Mrs. Merridew, but I was favourably impressed by the way she wrote. A very sensible letter.
Alth. (to herself). Except the postscript. But I didn't like to show Mamma that!