I did not want to be saved, you see, and people who are saved
against their will are so frightfully ungrateful. Wouldn't you like
a dry hanky? Just wait till you've had a couple of dozen sandwiches.
You'll feel quite differently. Think what a relief it will be to
have me off your mind. You can relax now, and rest. You've been
overworking for years. Consider how peaceful it will be not to have
to ask any more silly girls to visit. You know you hated it, really,
and only did it for my sake."
"I did everything for your sake," moaned Aunt Caroline brokenly.
"And they were silly. But I hoped you would not notice it. And you
will never know what I went through trying to get them down for
breakfast at nine."
"I can imagine it," with ready sympathy. "They always yawned. And
there must have been many darker secrets which I never guessed. You
kept them from me. Do you remember that hole in Ada's stocking?"
"Yes, but I--"
"Never mind. The fib wasn't nearly as big as the hole. But how could
you expect me to help noticing the general lightness and frivolity
of your visitors, shown up so plainly against the background of your
own character?"
"Y-es. I didn't think of that"
"Perhaps I should never have married if I had not got away--from the
comparison, I mean."
"There was a danger, I suppose. But," with renewed grief, "Oh,
Benis, such a wedding! No cards, no cake--and in pyjamas--oh!"
"Come now, Aunt, don't give way! And do you feel that it is quite
right to criticise the clergy? I always fancy that it is the first
step toward free-thinking.
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