"
"I am sorry it is so expensive, mamma; but I can't teach myself to think
it nice," answered Charlotte, with a smile that sadly lacked the
brightness of a few weeks ago. "I think one requires to go into the City,
and become a merchant or a stockbroker, before one can like that sort of
wine. What was it Valentine quoted in the _Cheapside_, about some lady
whom somebody loved?--'To love her was a liberal education.' I think to
like old port is a commercial education."
"I am sure such wine _ought_ to do you good," said Georgy, almost
querulously. She thought this bright blooming creature had no right to be
ill. The headaches, and little weaknesses and languors and ladylike
ailments, were things for which she (Georgy) had taken out a patent; and
this indisposition of her daughter's was an infringement of copyright.
"I dare say the port will do me good, mamma, in time. No doubt I shall be
as strong as that person who strangled lions and snakes and dogs with
incalculable heads, and all that kind of thing."
"I really wish you would not talk in that absurd manner, my dear," said
Mrs. Sheldon with offended dignity. "I think you really cannot be too
grateful for your papa's kind thoughtfulness and anxiety about you. I am
sure I myself am not so anxious as he is; but of course his medical
knowledge makes him doubly careful. Six weeks ago he noticed that you
wanted strength--tone is what he calls it.
Pages:
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297