She had the laurels cut, the curtains
changed, the windows cleaned, and altogether made the room so much
lighter, that when Mr. Kendal again took possession, he did not look
at all sure whether he liked it; and though he was courteously
grateful, he did not avail himself of the den half so much as when it
had more congenial gloom. But then he had the morning-room as a
resort, and it was one of Albinia's bargains with herself, that as
far as her own influence could prevent it, neither he nor Sophy
should ever render it a literal boudoir.
The sense of snugness that the small numbers produced was one great
charm, and made Mr. Kendal come unusually far out of his shell. His
chief sanatory precaution was to take Albinia out for a drive or walk
every day, and these expeditions were greatly enjoyed.
One day, after a visit from her old nurse, Sophy received Albinia
with the words,--
'Oh, mamma,' she said, 'old nurse has been telling me such things. I
shall never be cross with Aunt Maria again. It is such a sad story,
just like one in a book, if she was but that kind of person.'
'Aunt Maria! I remember Mrs. Dusautoy once saying she gave her the
idea of happiness shattered, but--'
'Did she?' exclaimed Sophy. 'I never thought Aunt Maria could have
done anything but fidget everybody that came near her; but old nurse
says a gentleman was once in love with her, and a very handsome young
gentleman too.
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