Stillwater,
arranging for matrimony for all her daughters, had decided that
Jess was hopeless except as a "serious woman," since she had
neither figure nor face, nor even abundant hair, which alone is
enough to entangle some men. So, Jess had been set to work at
political economy, finance, at studying up the political
situations; and, if started right and not interfered with, she
could give as good account of her teaching as any phonograph.
Margaret welcomed Molly's message from Craig with a sweet smile.
An amused glance at the thunderous face of her grandmother, and
she said, "Perhaps it would interest you, dear, to know that he
and I are engaged."
What could Madam Bowker say? What could she do? Obviously,
nothing. The three Stillwaters became hysterical. Their comments
and congratulations were scraps of disjointed nonsense, and they
got away under cover of more arrivals, in as great disorder as if
the heavy guns Madam Bowker had stacked to the brim for Margaret
had accidentally discharged into them. Madam Bowker could wait no
longer. "Margaret," said she, "help me to my carriage."
Mrs. Severence gave her difficult daughter an appealing glance, as
if she feared the girl would cap the climax of rebellion by flatly
refusing; but Margaret said sweetly:
"Yes, Grandma.
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