Lily, you've never found out what it is to be a little person in a
great person's house, and to feel one's self scrupulously made one of
the family, because her husband is so much attached to all of them.
There's nothing spontaneous about it! I dare say you would get on
better, though You are not a country-town old maid; you would have an
air of the world and of distinction even if you went in your old grey
poplin.'
'Well, I thought better of my lady.'
'You ought not! She makes great efforts, I am sure, and is a pattern of
graciousness and cordiality--only that's just what riles one, when one
knows one is just as well born, and all the rest of it. And then I'm
provided with the clever men, and the philanthropical folk to talk to.
I know it's a great compliment, and they are very nice, but I'd ten
times rather take my chance among them. However, now I've made the
grapes sour for you, what do you think about Dolores? Will you send
her to us?'
'Not immediately, at any rate, dear Jane. It is very kind in you to
wish to take her off our hands, but I do want to try her a little
longer. I thought she seemed to be softening last night.'
'She was as hard as ever when I went in to wish her good-bye.'
'I thought she had too much headache for conversation when I went in
last; I think this is a regular upset from unhappiness and reserve.'
'Alias temper and deceitfulness.'
'Something of both. You know the body often suffers when things are
not thrown out in a wholesome explosion at once, but go simmering on;
and I mean to let this poor child alone till she is well.
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