Even more disturbing was the visit of Mrs. On the
occasion of last seeing Purdy,they had both been giddy with excitement. Dont talk
about what you dont understand! Ill not grudge the expense, I promise
you.
Few or none march together the whole
way.
But I dont think weought to be discussing her. Mary
laughed at Richardsexaggerated anxiety; though she rejoiced to see him so fond. I
couldnt get a word out of im all theway ome.
I think you can safely leave it to her to look
after her owninterests.
Why, build em, my dear, and asmany as you
choose!
In manyways, shes just as capable as her mother
was.
Surely the wordimplies somebody with whom one has
at least HALF an idea in common? But if you do itjust to get her out of the house,
youre on the wrong tack.
Ive put up with thejob lot you call your friends
for more than a twelvemonth. For onething, he disdained competition with Tilly in
her open touting forPurdys notice.
But when it came to his ordering in an expensive
rocking-horse,she put her foot down. Oh, Ive no patience with such a selfish
standpoint.
We shall be having youill in earnest if this goes
on. Youre not letting that silly old affair in Ballarat stillprejudice you against
him? Yet the mere mention of them was enough to send her off into anunmannerly
guffaw. And then Im not to open mymouth, or say what I see, or have any opinion of
my own.
The shock of the encounter drove the semblance of a
hearty greeting outof Mahony.