Then they used to say he was smitten in
another quarter; but I always contradicted it for my part, and said that
you----"
"That I," cried Mrs. Pendennis; "people are very impertinent, I am sure.
Mr. Smirke came here as Arthur's tutor, and I am surprised that anybody
should dare to speak so----"
"'Pon my soul, it is a little too much," the Major said, laying down the
newspaper and the double eye-glass.
"I've no patience with that Mrs. Pybus," Helen continued indignantly.
"I told her there was no truth in it," Mrs. Portman said. "I always said
so, my dear: and now it comes out that my demure gentleman has been
engaged to a young lady--Miss Thompson, of Clapham Common, ever so long:
and I am delighted for my part, and on Myra's account, too, for an
unmarried curate is always objectionable about one's house: and of course
it is strictly private, but I thought I would tell you, as it might
remove unpleasantnesses. But mind: not one word, if you please, about the
story."
Mrs. Pendennis said, with perfect sincerity, that she was exceedingly
glad to hear the news: and hoped Mr.
Pages:
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362