'
'I think it very improper, Harriet, for you to be sending for your uncle
when you are under Dr. Alsop's charge.'
'But, mamma, Uncle Frank does not prescribe for me. I do not send for
him as my physician.'
'It looks very odd, though,' continued Mrs. Meeker, with increased
irritation. 'I am sure Dr. Alsop would not like it if he knew it.'
'Dr. Alsop met Uncle Frank here one day, and they appeared to be
excellent friends. I am sure there can be no misunderstanding on his
part, and papa says he is quite willing.'
'Do as you like, child,' replied Mrs. Meeker. Then turning to the nurse
she said, 'You may ring, and send Thomas with a message from Miss
Meeker, if she desires.'
'Thank you, dear mamma. If you will come to me, I will give you a kiss.'
The door closed before the sentence was finished, and Mrs. Meeker
descends the staircase, passes through the hall, and steps into the open
air.
Alas, what is revealed to you! Marks, grim and ghastly marks of those
years of wear and tear, which the sunlight, that remorseless trier of
woman's looks, makes quite apparent. What evidence of irritability, of
discontent, and general disappointment and disgust with everything and
all things, is revealed in those deep-cut lines and angles which in the
light of day become painfully visible under the delicate layers of Baume
d'Osman, rouge, and pearl powder!
Mrs. Meeker adjusts her veil so as to hang gracefully down to the tip of
her nose, and enters her carriage.
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