Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. I.djvu/56

 and fond of pleasure, she had never neglected me."

"She struck me, indeed, as a talented person, when I knew her."

"Quite so; in other circumstances she might have proved even a superior woman. Very orderly and practical in all her household arrangements, she always found plenty of time for everything. If her life was not according to what we generally call 'the principles of morality,' or rather, Christian hypocrisy, the fault was my father's, not hers, as I shall perhaps tell you some other time.

"As I entered the breakfast-room, my mother was struck with the change in my appearance, and she asked me if I was feeling unwell.

I must have a little fever,' I replied; 'besides, the weather is so sultry and oppressive.'

Oppressive?' quoth she, smiling.

Is it not?'

No; on the contrary, it is quite bracing. See, the barometer has risen considerably.'

Well, then, it must have been your concert that upset my nerves.'