"
"We can do better than that- if we have notice!" And the old man
stood there smiling, rubbing his hands and slowly shaking his head
at her. "But Mrs. Touchett doesn't like receptions."
"She went straight to her room."
"Yes- and locked herself in. She always does that. Well, I suppose I
shall see her next week." And Mrs. Touchett's husband slowly resumed
his former posture.
"Before that," said Miss Archer. "She's coming down to dinner- at
eight o'clock. Don't you forget a quarter to seven," she added,
turning with a smile to Ralph.
"What's to happen at a quarter to seven?"
"I'm to see my mother," said Ralph.
"Ah, happy boy!" the old man commented. "You must sit down- you must
have some tea," he observed to his wife's niece.
"They gave me some tea in my room the moment I got there," this
young lady answered. "I'm sorry you're out of health," she added,
resting her eyes upon her venerable host.
"Oh, I'm an old man, my dear; it's time for me to be old. But I
shall be the better for having you here."
She had been looking all round her again- at the lawn, the great
trees, the reedy, silvery Thames, the beautiful old house; and while
engaged in this survey she had made room in it for her companions; a
comprehensiveness of observation easily conceivable on the part of a
young woman who was evidently both intelligent and excited.
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