English fiction -- 19th century; Tailors -- Fiction
'Adieu. One word to leave you laughing. Imagine her situation! This
stupid Miss Carrington has offended me. She has tried to pump Conning,
who, I do not doubt, gave her as much truth as I chose she should have in
her well. But the quandary of the wretched creature! She takes Conning
into her confidence--a horrible malady just covered by high-neck dress!
Skin! and impossible that she can tell her engaged--who is--guess--Mr.
George Up------! Her name is Louisa Carrington. There was a Louisa
Harrington once. Similarity of names perhaps. Of course I could not let
her come to the house; and of course Miss C. is in a state of wonderment
and bad passions, I fear. I went straight to Lady Racial, my dear.
There was nothing else for it but to go and speak. She is truly a noble
woman--serves us in every way. As she should!--much affected by sight of
Evan, and keeps aloof from Beckley Court. The finger of Providence is in
all. Adieu! but do pray think of Miss Carrington!
It was foolish of her to offend me. Drives and walks-the Duke attentive.
Description of him when I embrace you. I give amiable Sir Franks
Portuguese dishes. Ah, my dear, if we had none but men to contend
against, and only women for our tools! But this is asking for the world,
and nothing less.
'Open again,' she pursues. 'Dear Carry just come in. There are fairies,
I think, where there are dukes! Where could it have come from? Could
any human being have sent messengers post to London, ordered, and had it
despatched here within this short time? You shall not be mystified! I
do not think I even hinted; but the afternoon walk I had with his Grace,
on the first day of his arrival, I did shadow it very delicately how much
it was to be feared our poor Carry could not, that she dared not, betray
her liege lord in an evening dress. Nothing more, upon my veracity! And
Carry has this moment received the most beautiful green box, containing
two of the most heavenly old lace shawls that you ever beheld. We divine
it is to hide poor Carry's matrimonial blue mark! We know nothing. Will
you imagine Carry is for not accepting it! Priority of birth does not
imply superior wits, dear--no allusion to you. I have undertaken all.
Arch looks, but nothing pointed. His Grace will understand the exquisite
expression of feminine gratitude. It is so sweet to deal with true
nobility. Carry has only to look as she always does. One sees Strike
sitting on her. Her very pliability has rescued her from being utterly
squashed long ere this! The man makes one vulgar. It would have been
not the slightest use asking me to be a Christian had I wedded Strike.
But think of the fairy presents! It has determined me not to be expelled
by Mr. Forth--quite. Tell Silva he is not forgotten. But, my dear,
between us alone, men are so selfish, that it is too evident they do not
care for private conversations to turn upon a lady's husband: not to be
risked, only now and then.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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