"Well, well, child, the meaning's about the same," returned Miss Stanhope,
laughing afresh at her own mistake, "and I'd as soon be the other as one."
"Mrs. Dauber wouldn't though," said Harry. "I noticed her face grow as red
as a beet the other day when you called her Mrs. Smearer."
"She didn't mind being Mrs. Sixpence, I think," said Elsie.
"Oh yes, she did; it nettled her a good deal at first, but she finally got
used to it; after finding out how innocent auntie was, and how apt to
miscall other names."
"But I thought she would never be content with anybody but Mr. Wert."
"Well, she lost all hope there, and dropped him at once as soon as Dauber
made his appearance."
Mr. Dinsmore inquired about the Kings. Elsie had done so in a private chat
with her aunt, held in her room directly after their arrival.
"The doctor's as busy as ever, killing people all round the country; he's
very successful at it," replied Miss Stanhope; "I've the utmost confidence
in his skill."
"You are a warm friend of his, I know, aunt," said Mr. Dinsmore, smiling,
"but I would advise you not to try to assist his reputation among
strangers."
"Why not, nephew?"
"Lest they should take your words literally, auntie."
"Ah, yes, I must be careful how I use my stumbling tongue," she answered
with a good-humored smile.
Pages:
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132