Page:A New England Tale.djvu/125

114 Erskine, to display her daughter, Jane must be seen too; and though she was sufficiently ingenious in contriving ways and means of employing Jane, and securing a clear field for Elvira, Erskine, with the impatience and perversity of a spoiled child, set a double value on the pleasure that was denied him.

The affairs of Mrs. Wilson's household were in this train, when the following conversation occurred between the cousins:—

"If there is a party made to-morrow, to escort the bride, do you expect to join it, Jane?" said Elvira to her cousin, with an expression of anxiety that was quite as intelligible as her question.

"I should like to," replied Jane.

"Ah, that of course," answered Elvira; "but I did not ask what you would like, but what you expect."

"You know, Elvira, I am not sure of obtaining your mother's permission."

"For once in your life, Jane, do be content to speak less like an oracle, and tell me in plain English, whether you expect to go, if you can obtain mother's permission."

"In plain English then, Elvira, yes," replied Jane, smiling.

"You seem very sure of an invitation," answered Elvira, pettishly. Jane's deep blush revealed the truth to her suspicious cousin, which she did not wish to confess or evade; and Elvira continued, "I was sure I overheard Edward say something to you, about the ride last night, when you