At two o'clock
they lunched, and that amusement lasted nearly an hour. There was
an afternoon service at three in attending which the Duchess was
very particular. The Duke never went at that time nor was it
expected that any of the gentlemen would do so; but women are
supposed to require more church than men, and the Duchess rather
made it a point that at any rate the young ladies staying in the
house should accompany her. Over the other young ladies there her
authority could only be that of influence, but such authority
generally sufficed. From her niece it might be supposed that she
would exact obedience, and in this instance she tried it. "We start
in five minutes," she said to Arabella as that young lady was
loitering at the table.
"Don't wait for me; aunt, I'm not going," said Arabella boldly.
"I hope you will come to church with us," said the Duchess sternly.
"Not this afternoon."
"Why not, Arabella?"
"I never do go to church twice on Sundays. Some people do, and some
people don't. I suppose that's about it."
"I think that all young women ought to go to church on Sunday
afternoon unless there is something particular to prevent them."
Arabella shrugged her shoulders and the Duchess stalked angrily
away.
"That makes me feel so awfully wicked," said the Duchess of Omnium,
who was the only other lady then left in the room.
Pages:
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381