"
Beatrice threw open the door.
"Nina," she said, "Captain Bertram is here,"--then she paused,--her next
words came with a visible effort--"And his heart shall choose the girl
he loves."
Beatrice walked straight across the room to the window. She heard a cry
from Nina, and something between a groan and an exclamation of joy from
Bertram.
She did not look round.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE FEELINGS OF A CRUSHED MOTH.
"I don't think it's right for Maria to be in the room," said Mrs.
Butler. "I'll listen to all you've got to say in a moment, Mrs. Gorman
Stanley, but--Maria, will you have the goodness to leave us."
"I'd rather stay," pleaded poor Miss Maria. "I always was deeply
interested in my darling Bee, and it's dreadful to think of her being
discussed and gossiped over, and me not present. You know, Martha, you
have a sharp tongue."
"This from you, Maria? You, who eat my bread. Well! Mrs. Gorman Stanley,
you are witness to this ingratitude."
"Oh, my dear good creatures, don't quarrel," said Mrs. Gorman Stanley.
She was a very phlegmatic woman, and hated scenes.
"If I were you, Mrs. Butler, I'd let poor Miss Peters stay," she added.
"I'm sure she's quite old enough."
"Mrs. Gorman Stanley, my sister is never old enough to listen to improper
subjects.
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