Beatrice became rather red in the face, and, in spite of the dignity of
her cousin, was preparing to defend her friend.

'Mind, I am not saying a word against Miss Thorne.'

'If I am married before her, she shall be one of my bridesmaids,' said
Beatrice.

'That will probably depend on circumstances,' said the Lady
Alexandrina; I find that I cannot bring my courteous pen to drop the
title. 'But Augusta is very peculiarly situated. Mr Moffat, is, you
see, not of the very highest birth; and, therefore, she should take
care that on her side every one about her is well born.'

'Then you cannot have Miss Moffat,' said Beatrice.

'No; I would not if I could help it,' said the cousin.

'But the Thornes are as good a family as the Greshams,' said Beatrice.
She had not quite the courage to say, as good as the De Courcys.

'I dare say they are; and if this was Miss Thorne of Ullathorne,
Augusta probably would not object to her. But can you tell me who Miss
Mary Thorne is?'

'She is Dr Thorne's niece.'

'You mean that she is called so; but do you know who her father was, or
who her mother was? I, for one, must own that I do not. Mamma, I