Simpering had been such a fattening
process that Harriet was beginning to resume more of her good looks
than had ever been brought back by Maydew.
"Open the letter, Betty. Thanks, Arden," as the minor Canon began to
pull off his boots, "only take care of my knee. My Lady has brought
down her little boy, and one of Aurelia's pupils; I declare they are
a perfect pair of Loves. What are you fumbling at, Betty?"
"The seal, sir, it is a pity to break it," said Betty, producing her
scissors from one of her capacious pockets. "It is an antique, is it
not, Mr. Arden?"
"A very beautiful gem, a sleeping Cupid," he answered.
"How could the child have obtained it?" said Harriet.
"I can tell you," said the Major. "From old Belamour. My Lady was
laughing about it. The little puss has revived the embers of gallantry
in our poor recluse. Says she, 'He has actually presented her with a
ring, nay, a ring bearing Love himself.'"
Somehow the speech, even at second hand, jarred upon Betty, but her
father was delighted with my Lady's description of his favourite, and
the letters were full of contentment. When the two sisters, arrayed
in their stiffest silks, went up to pay their respects to my Lady
the next afternoon, their reception was equally warm.
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