I.

The book that Aunt Bella had brought her was called _The Triumph Over

Midian_, and Aunt Bella said that if she was a good girl it would

interest her. But it did not interest her. That was how she heard Aunt

Bella and Mamma talking together.

Mamma's foot was tapping on the footstool, which showed that she was

annoyed.

"They're coming to-morrow," she said, "to look at that house at

Ilford."

"To live?" Aunt Bella said.

"To live," Mamma said.

"And is Emilius going to allow it? What's Victor thinking of, bringing

her down here?"

"They want to be near Emilius. They think he'll look after her."

"It was Victor who _would_ have her at home, and Victor might look

after her himself. She was his favourite sister."

"He doesn't want to be too responsible. They think Emilius ought to

take his share."

Aunt Bella whispered something. And Mamma said, "Stuff and nonsense! No

more than you or I. Only you never know what queer thing she'll do

next."

Mary Olivier: a Life · 第 42 / 378 题