human
We must kill off the family first of all. It was plain that she regarded the duty as a bore; but she was too worldly wise not to see that her bread cast upon the waters would return to her. Most of the Jarrotts were important; some were wealthy; and one--Mrs. Endsleigh Jarrott--was a power in such matters as assemblies and cotillons. The ladies Colfax were little less influential; and while the sphere of the Poles and Endsleighs was in the world of art, letters, and scholarship, rather than in that of fashion and finance, they had the uncontested status of good birth. To Evie they represented just so much in the way of her social assets, and she was quick in appraising them at their correct relative values. Some would be good for a dinner given in her honor, others for a dance. The humblest could be counted on for a theatre-party or a
gpt
She was skilful, too, in presenting her orphan state with a touching vividness that enlisted their sympathies on behalf of
human
or
gpt
which meant an inspection of the frocks and hats that had just come home. They lay about now, in clouds like a soft summer sunset, or in gay spots of feathers and flowers, on the bed and the sofa in Evie's room, and filled all the chairs except the one on which Miriam had retreated into the farthest corner of the bay-window. Seated there, not quite in profile, against the light, her head turned and slightly inclined, in order to get a better view of Evie's finery, her slender figure possessed a sort of Vandyke grace, heightened rather than diminished by the long plumes and rich draperies of the month's fashion. Evie flitted between closets, wardrobes, and drawers, prattling while she worked off that first event of her season, in which the family were to be
human
She recited the names of those who would
gpt
And, of course, Popsey Wayne must come, she observed in her practical little way.
human
I dare say he won't want to, poor dear, but it wouldn't do if he didn't. Only you, you dear thing, will have to go in with him--to pilot him and look after him when the dishes are passed. But I'm going to have some one nice on your other side, do you see?--some one awfully nice. We shall have to ask a few people outside the family, just to give it relief, and save it from looking like Christmas.
gpt
You'll have Billy, I suppose.
human
No, I sha'n't ask Billy,
gpt
Won't he think that queer?
human
I hope so.
gpt
Why? What's the matter? Have you anything to punish him for?
human
I've nothing to punish him for; I've only got something I want to--bring home to him. She paused in the middle of the room, with her blue burden held in her outstretched arms, somewhat like a baby at a christening.
gpt
I might as well tell you, Miriam, first as last. You've got to know it some time, though I don't want it talked about just yet. I've broken my engagement to Billy.
human
Broken your engagement! Why, I saw Billy myself this morning. I met him as I was coming over. He said he was here last night, and seemed particularly cheerful.
gpt
He doesn't know it yet. I'm doing it--by degrees.
human
You're doing it by--what? Miriam rose and came toward her, stopping midway to lean on the foot-rail of the bed.
gpt
Evie darling, what do you mean?
human
If you're going to be cross about it--
gpt
I'm not going to be cross about it, but I want you to tell me exactly what you're doing.
human
Well, I'm telling you. I've broken my engagement, and I want to let Billy know it in the kindest way. I don't want to hurt his feelings. You wouldn't like me to do that yourself. I'm trying to bring him where he'll see things just as I do.
gpt
And may I ask if you're--getting him there?
human
I shall get him there in time. I'm doing lots of things to show him.
gpt
Such as what?
human
Such as not asking him to the dinner, for one thing. He'll know from that there's something wrong. He'll make a fuss, and I shall be disagreeable. Little by little he'll get to dislike me--and then--
gpt
And how long do you think it will take for that good work to be accomplished?
human
I don't see that that matters. I suppose I may take all the time I need. We're both young--
gpt
And have all your lives to give to it. Is that what you mean?
human
I don't want to give all my life to it, because--I may as well tell you that, too, while I'm about it--because I'm engaged to some one else.
gpt
Oh, Evie!