"
"And, sir, shall I be permitted to come home in time for you to
receive me?"
"I fear I must forego that pleasure. The ladies will insist on cards
and supper. Jumbo shall come for you at nine o'clock."
Aurelia submitted, and tripped down arrayed in the dress that recalled
the fete at Carminster, except that only a little powder was sprinkled
on her temples. the little girls jumped round her in admiring ecstasy,
and, under Molly's charge, escorted her to the garden gate, and hovered
outside to see her admitted, while she knocked timidly at the door, in
the bashful alarm of making her first independent visit.
The loutish man ushered her into a small close room, containing a
cat, a little spaniel, a green parrot, a spinning-wheel, and an
embroidery frame. There were also the two old ladies, dressed with
old-fashioned richness, a little faded, and a third, in a crimson,
gold-laced joseph [A long riding coat with a small cape, worn by
women in the 18th century.--D.L.], stout, rubicund, and hearty, to
whom Aurelia was introduced thus--
"Mrs. Hunter, allow me to present to you Miss Delavie, a relative of
my Lady Belamour. Miss Delavie, Mrs. Hunter of Brentford."
"I am most happy to make your acquaintance, Miss," said the lady, in a
jovial voice, and Aurelia made her curtsey, but at that moment the man
announced that dinner was served, whereupon Mrs.
Pages:
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138