The silence of the
sultry atmosphere was lost in the murmuring noises which came in
from many an open window and door; even the children were abroad in
the street, late as it was (between ten and eleven), enjoying the
game of play for which they had not had spirits during the heat of
the day. It was a source of satisfaction to Miss Matty to see how
few candles were lighted, even in the apartments of those houses
from which issued the greatest signs of life. Mr Peter, Miss
Matty, and I had all been quiet, each with a separate reverie, for
some little time, when Mr Peter broke in -
"Do you know, little Matty, I could have sworn you were on the high
road to matrimony when I left England that last time! If anybody
had told me you would have lived and died an old maid then, I
should have laughed in their faces."
Miss Matty made no reply, and I tried in vain to think of some
subject which should effectually turn the conversation; but I was
very stupid; and before I spoke he went on -
"It was Holbrook, that fine manly fellow who lived at Woodley, that
I used to think would carry off my little Matty. You would not
think it now, I dare say, Mary; but this sister of mine was once a
very pretty girl--at least, I thought so, and so I've a notion did
poor Holbrook.
Pages:
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278