WORD FOR WORD

"Not they, indeed. Mrs. Cholmondeley is a mean, stingy creature; she

never gives me anything now."

I did not choose to ask any further questions, but turned abruptly away.

"Now, old Crusty— old Diogenes" (these were her familiar terms for me

when we disagreed), "what is the matter now?"

"Take yourself away. I have no pleasure in looking at you or

your parure."

For an instant, she seemed taken by surprise.

"What now, Mother Wisdom? I have not got into debt for it— that is, not

for the jewels, nor the gloves, nor the bouquet. My dress is certainly not

paid for, but uncle de Bassompierre will pay it in the bill: he never notices

items, but just looks at the total; and he is so rich, one need not care about a

few guineas more or less."

"Will you go? I want to shut the door… . Ginevra, people may tell you

you are very handsome in that ball-attire; but, in my eyes, you will never