“What an odd idea! but this isn’t a peacock’s feather!”
What! was she going to prove as literal as her mamma? Defend it, ye Nine!
“And then,” I went on, “there is an audacity about the curve of the brim, that fills me with irrepressible delight. Let me assure you, dear cousin, that it is the very hat of all the hats that ever were made, which you ought to wear.”
“It was my choice,” said she, looking at me as though she were a little afraid. “But the carriage will soon be ready, and mamma wanted me to show you over the grounds before we drove out.”
“I would much rather sit here with you,” I replied. “I can look at the grounds this afternoon.”
“As you please,” said she prettily, seating herself in her mamma’s chair.
She fronted the window, in consequence the light was full upon her face, and I was able to see every expression that rose and faded in it.
“Your father introduced me to the bank this morning,” said I, fixing my eye upon her.
“Yes?”
“I had the honour of making the acquaintance of Mr. Curling.”