"Yes, except Lapham himself, now and then. I went down once or twice
to see him. He hasn't given himself any vacation this summer; he has
such a passion for his business that I fancy he finds it hard being
away from it at any time, and he's made his new house an excuse for
staying."
"Oh yes, his house! Is it to be something fine?"
"Yes; it's a beautiful house. Seymour is doing it."
"Then, of course, it will be very handsome. I suppose the young ladies
are very much taken up with it; and Mrs. Lapham."
"Mrs. Lapham, yes. I don't think the young ladies care so much about
it."
"It must be for them. Aren't they ambitious?" asked Mrs. Corey,
delicately feeling her way.