Page:The Rejuvenation Of Miss Semaphore.pdf/39

 Mrs. Whitley looked insulted, but she was a timid woman, and not ready of speech. She thought the medical lady's dress clumsy, and her figure shapeless, but had indiscreetly asked who made it—the dress, not the figure—with a view to employing the woman on some plain sewing. The medical lady's answer to her question had offended her very much, but she could not think of anything cutting to say in reply.

Without noticing her expression, or feeling any awkwardness, the medical lady continued,

"You know my velvet mantle? I have been told Miss Fastleigh says she does not like it. Now that is pure jealousy. It is an extremely handsome mantle, far handsomer than anything she could afford. But of course it could only be worn by a fine, tall woman. It is astonishing that so many people are jealous of me."

Mrs. Whitley wondered vaguely what grounds for jealousy the medical lady gave. She certainly was not popular in the house, but that was scarcely because anyone was jealous of her. Belief in her own beauty, however, and in the envy she imagined it excited, kept her happy; so sharp speeches or