For soon, I'm sure, he'll want you to come and be his little
housekeeper, and look after the other children."
Sounded on this subject, however, John said dryly: "Emma's influence
would be undesirable for the little ones." His prejudice in favour of
his second wife's children was an eternal riddle to his sister. He
dandled even the youngest, whom he had not seen since its birth, with
visible pleasure.
"It must be the black eyes," said Mary to herself; and shook her head at
men's irrationality. For Jinny's offspring had none of the grace and
beauty that marked the two elder children.
And now the last night had come; and they were gathered, a family party,
round John's mahogany. The cloth had been removed; nuts and port were
passing. As it was a unique occasion the ladies had been excused from
withdrawing, and the gentlemen left their cigars unlighted. Mary's eyes
roved fondly from one face to another. There was Tilly, come over from
her hotel--("Nothing would induce me to spend a night under his roof,
Mary")--Tilly sat hugging one of the children, who had run in for the
almonds and raisins of dessert. "What a mother lost in her!" sighed Mary
once more. There was Zara, so far reconciled to her brother as to
consent to be present; but only speaking at him, not to him. And dear
Jerry, eager and alert, taking so intelligent a share in what was said.
Poor Ned alone was wanting, neither Richard nor John having offered to
pay his fare to town.
Pages:
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569