Jenkins trying to fetch his boots
and catch a glimpse of Mrs. Banks's daily help who could cook but had
no character; she described the stickiness of his collar; and because
she was always readily responsive to her surroundings, she found it
natural to be humorous in a somewhat spiteful way; and at a casual
mention of the Battys, she became amusing at the expense of Charles
and felt a slight regret when she had roused Christabel's laughter. It
seemed unkind; he had confided in her; she had betrayed him; and Rose
completed her discomfiture by saying, 'Ah, don't laugh at poor
Charles. He feels too much.'
Christabel nodded her head. 'Your aunt is very sympathetic. She
understands men.' She added quickly, 'Have you met my husband?'
'No,' Henrietta said, 'I've only seen your carts.'
The two women laughed and it was strange to hear them united in that
mirth. Henrietta looked puzzled. 'Well,' she explained, 'it was one of
the first things I noticed. It stuck in my head.' Naturally the
impressions of that day had been unusually vivid and she saw with
painful clearness the figure of the man on the horse, as enduring as
though it had been executed in bronze yet animated by ardent life.
'Well,' Christabel said, 'you are to have tea with the owner of the
carts. Rose has tea with him every time she comes. It's part of the
ceremony.' She sighed wearily; the cat moved an ear; the nurse entered
as a signal that the visitors must depart.
Pages:
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141