This latter Albinia would not believe, especially as she
saw that little Maurice's blue eyes were magnets that held the silent
Sophy fast, but surly denials silenced her interrogations as to
illness, and made her content to acquiesce in Lucy's explanation that
Sophy was only cross because the Osborns and Drurys were not asked.
Albinia did her duty handsomely by the two families a day or two
after, for whatever reports might come round, they were always ready
to receive her advances, and she only took notice of what she saw,
instead of what she heard. Her brother helped Mr. Kendal through the
party, and Winifred made a discovery that excited her more than
Albinia thought warranted by any fact relating to the horde of Irish
cousins.
'Only think, Albinia, I have found out that poor Ellen O'More is Mr.
Goldsmith's sister!'
'Indeed! But I am afraid I don't remember which Ellen O'More is.
You know I never undertake to recollect any but your real cousins out
of the thirty-six.'
'For shame, Albinia, I have so often told you about Ellen. I'm sure
you can't forget. Her husband is my sister's brother-in-law's
cousin.'
'Oh, Winifred, Winifred!'
'But I tell you, her husband is the third son of old Mr. O'More of
Ballymakilty, and was in the army.'
'Oh! the half-pay officer with the twelve children in the cottage on
the estate.'
'There now, I did think you would care when I told you of a soldier,
a Waterloo man too, and you only call him a half-pay officer!'
'I do remember,' said Albinia, taking a little pity, 'that you used
to be sorry for his good little English wife.
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