Gilbert stuck his chin down, and snapped with his teeth like a gin.
Lucy exclaimed, 'Now, Gilbert, I know mamma will say that is wrong.'
'Ah! we are used to Gilbert's tricks. Always bear with a boy's
antics,' said Miss Meadows, preventing whatever she thought was
coming out of Mrs. Kendal's month. Albinia took the unwise step of
laughing, for her sympathies were decidedly with resistance both to
flannels and to the insertion of that hooked finger.
'Mr. Bowles has always said it was a case for great care. Flannel
next the skin--no exposure,' continued Miss Meadows, tartly. 'I am
sure--I know I am the last person to wish to interfere--but so
delicate--You'll excuse--but my mother was uneasy; and people who go
out in all weathers--'
'I hope Mrs. Meadows had my note this morning.'
'O yes! I am perfectly aware. Thank you. Yes, I know the rule, but
you'll excuse--My mother was still anxious--I know you exclude
visitors in lesson-time. I'm going. Only grandmamma would be glad--
not that she wishes to interfere--but if Gilbert had on his piece of
flannel--'
'Have you, Gilbert?' said Albinia, becoming tormented.
'I have been flannel all over all my life,' said Gilbert, sulkily,
'one bit more or less can make no odds.'
'Then you have not that piece? said Albinia.
'Oh, my dear! Think of that! New Saxony! I begged it of Mr.
Holland. A new remnant--pink list, and all! I said it was just what
I wanted for Master Gilbert.
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