“Well,” said Mrs. McQuinch, plaintively, “I wish you _would_ look. I want to know whether she says anything about this letter from your uncle Reginald.” Elinor plucked the note from her pocket, tore it open, and read it. Suddenly she set her face to hide some emotion from her family. “Marian wants me to go and stay with her,” she said. “They have taken a house.” “Poor Marian!” said Jane. “And will you go?” “I will,” said Elinor. “Have you any objection?” “Oh dear, no,” said Jane, smoothly. “I suppose you will be glad to get away from your home,” said Mrs. McQuinch, incontinently. “Very glad,” said Elinor. Mr. McQuinch, hurt, looked at her over his newspaper. Mrs. McQuinch was huffed. “I dont know what you are to do for clothes,” she said, “unless Lydia and Jane are content to wear their last winter’s dresses again this year.” The faces of the young ladies elongated. “That’s nonsense, mamma,” said Lydia. “We cant wear those brown reps again.” Women wore reps in those days. “You need not be alarmed,” said Elinor. “I dont want any clothes. I can go as I am.” “You dont know what you are talking about, child,” said Mrs. McQuinch. “A nice figure you would make in uncle Reginald’s drawing-room with that dress on!” said Lydia. “And your hair in that state!” added Jane. “You should remember that there are others to be considered besides yourself,” said Lydia. “How would _you_ like _your_ guests to look like scarecrows?” “How could you expect Marian to go about with you, or into the Park? I suppose——” “Here, here!” said Mr. McQuinch, putting down his paper. “Let us have no more of this. What else do you need in the Park than a riding habit? You have that already. Whatever clothes you want you had better get in London, where you will get the proper things for your money.” “Indeed, Hardy, she is not going to pay a London milliner four prices for things she can get quite as good down here.” “I tell you I dont want anything,” said Elinor impatiently. “It will be time enough to begrudge me some decent clothes when I ask for them.” “I dont begrudge——” Mrs. McQuinch’s husband interrupted her. “Thats enough, now, everybody. It’s settled that she is to go, as she wants to. I will get her what is necessary. Give me another egg, and talk about something else.”