The Fortunes of the Farrells | Page 8

books. We won't venture into the
dining-room, for the boys make such a noise that one can't hear one's
own voice."
There was something very sweet in the absolute surrender of self-will,
and Trix, who was the most warm-hearted of mortals, promptly
bounded up from her stool and flung her arms round her sister's neck.
"You duck--you angel! You shall nag at me as much as ever you like,
and I'll never be cheeky again. It's brickish of you to worry about me at
all; but I'll always be a fright, so what's the use? You are pretty enough
for the family, Ruth. Ella Bruce's brother watches behind the curtains
every Sunday to see you pass, and he says you are the prettiest girl he
knows, and are always so nicely dressed!"
"Poor, deluded mortal; may he be forgiven for his blindness! I'm the
shabbiest creature in the parish! It's very nice of him to watch; but I

wish he would come out from behind the curtains and let me see him. I
have not so many admirers that I can afford to have them hidden from
view. What is he like, Trix; handsome?"
"Oh, well enough! Ella thinks him a model, but he is too thin and lanky
for my taste. He is not half good enough for you, Ruth, anyway. You
ought to marry a duke, and retrieve the fortunes of the family!"
"I'm willing, my dear. Produce him, and I promise you I will not stand
in the way. I could do quite easily with being a duchess. It would be so
soothing to be called `Your Grace,' and a coronet is peculiarly suited to
my style of beauty. I won't have you for a bridesmaid, though, if you
stoop like that. Get your book, Trix, and let us set to work. Better take
advantage of my good mood while it lasts."
Trix departed obediently, and returned with a pile of books, which she
dropped upon the table with a bang, which made the other occupants of
the room start in their seats, and for the next hour the two girls wrestled
with the difficulties of an advanced Brachet exercise. Truth to tell, Ruth
was not much more expert than Trix herself; but she was infinitely
more exact, and, by dint of hunting up back rules, and making endless
references to the irregular verbs, the result achieved was fairly correct.
It was ten o'clock. Betty and the three boys had departed to bed; Mollie
still sat gloating over her novel, with a forefinger thrust into either ear
to shut out the sound of the disturbing discussion on moods and tenses.
Trix collected her books with a sigh, and prepared to go upstairs in her
turn. She looked white and tired, and the freckles on her nose seemed
darker and more conspicuous than ever.
"Good-night, old Ruth! Thanks, most awfully! I'll do as much for you
some day."
"Good-night, young Trix! Mind you do. I shall remind you when the
time comes."
The door opened and closed; Ruth rose wearily, and laid her hand on
Mollie's shoulder. Such a charming face was lifted to meet her glance--

so fresh, so bright, full of such dazzling youth and vigour! True, Mollie
had been lazing all the evening while the others worked; but as Ruth
stood looking down at her she wondered for the hundredth time how it
was that so little was made of Mollie's beauty in comparison with her
own.
The golden hair rippled back in a thick, soft wave; the grey eyes were
large, and generously lashed; the laughing lips parted, to show white,
even, little teeth; yet a stranger, looking for the first time at Mollie
Farrell, rarely remarked upon her good looks.
"What a nice girl! What a dear girl! What a delightful creature!" they
cried, according to their different degrees of enthusiasm. They wanted
to know her, to have her for a friend, and forgot to think of mere
outward appearance.
"What a noise you have been making, Ruth!" said Mollie lazily. "I can't
think why you can't be quiet when you get a chance! This book is too
exciting for words. I told you how the lovers quarrelled just after they
were married, and he went abroad, thinking, of course, that she didn't
love him any more; while, of course, she simply adored the ground he
trod on, but thought that he had grown tired of her, while he was more
madly in--"
Ruth gave an exclamation of impatience.
"Oh, what rubbish! I don't believe such things are possible! If they
really loved each other, do you suppose they could keep on pretending
while they lived together every day, and when it came to saying
good-bye into the bargain? Nonsense! She'd break down and howl,