Eyrecourt herself! It must be very
pleasant, to a lady of her way of thinking, to enjoy the beauties of
Nature inexpensively--as seen in other people's houses, from the point
of view of a welcome guest. I wonder whether she is staying at any
country seat which I happen to have seen?"
"She may be in England, Scotland, or Ireland, for all I know," Miss
Notman answered, with an unaffected ignorance which placed her good
faith beyond doubt. "Consult your own taste, Father. After eating
jelly, cream, and ice-pudding, could you even _look_ at an oyster-omelet
without shuddering? Would you believe it? Her ladyship proposed to serve
the omelet with the cheese. Oysters, after sweets! I am not (as yet) a
married woman--"
Father Benwell made a last desperate effort to pave the way for one more
question before he submitted to defeat. "That must be _your_ fault, my
dear lady!" he interposed, with his persuasive smile.
Miss Notman simpered. "You confuse me, Father!" she said softly.
"I speak from inward conviction, Miss Notman. To a looker-on, like
myself, it is sad to see how many sweet women who might be angels in
the households of worthy men prefer to lead a single life.
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