At last, however, the cloth was removed, walnuts, apples, pears, and
biscuits were placed on the table, a glass of wine poured out for each
lady, and the quartette, with the cat and dog, drew near the sunny
window, where there was a little warmth. It was a chilly day, but
no one ever lighted a fire before the 5th of November, Old Style.
Then began one of those catechisms which fortunately are less
unpleasant to youth and simplicity than they are to persons of an
age to resent inquiry, and who have more resources of conversation.
In truth, Aurelia was in the eyes of the Treforth sisters, descendants
of a former Sir Jovian, only my Lady's poor kinswoman sent down to
act _gouvernante_ to the Wayland brats, who had been impertinently
quartered in the Belamour household. She would have received no
further notice, had it not been reported through the servants that
"young Miss" spent the evenings with their own cousin, from whom
they had been excluded ever since his illness.
The subject was approached through interrogations on Miss Delavie's
home and breeding, how she had travelled, and what were her
accomplishments, also whether she were quite sure that none of the
triad was either imbecile nor deformed. Mrs. Hunter seemed to have
heard wonderful rumours about the poor children.
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