"
"O dear, no; they are so lovely," answered Clarissa, bending over a pyramid
of stephanotis, "one can scarcely have too many of them. Not if the perfume
makes your head ache, however; in that case they had better be sent away at
once."
But Miss Granger protested against this with an air of meek endurance, and
the flowers were left undisturbed.
"Well, Sophy, what have you been doing with yourself all this time?" Mr.
Granger asked in a cheerful voice; "gadding about finely, according to your
letters."
"I spent a week with the Stapletons, and ten days with the Trevors, and
I went to Scarborough with the Chesneys, as you expressed a wish that I
should accept their invitation, papa," Miss Granger replied dutifully; "but
I really think I am happier at home."
"I'm very glad to hear it, my dear, and I hope you'll find your home
pleasanter than ever now.--So you like the look of the old place, do you,
Clary?" he went on, turning to his wife; "and you don't think we've quite
spoilt it by our renovation?"
"O no, indeed. There can be no doubt as to your improvements. And yet, do
you know, I was so fond of the place, that I am almost sorry to miss its
old shabbiness--the faded, curtains, and the queer Indian furniture which
my great-uncle Colonel Radnor, brought home from Bombay. I wonder what
became of those curious old cabinets?"
"I daresay they are still extant in some lumber-room in the roof, my dear.
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