She knew there was something provincial about herself and her sister-in-law, as there had been about the old grandmother; and indeed about all the Melcombes.

She wished to rise; and oh what should she do, how could she ever get over it, if Laura married the plumber?
Her distress was such that she took the only course which could have availed her--she was silent.
"I was afraid, dear, you might, you would, you must think it very imprudent," said Laura, a little struck by this silence; "but what is to be done?
Amelia, he's dying for me." Still Mrs.Melcombe was silent.
"He told me himself, that if I wouldn't have him it would drive him to drink." "Laura!" exclaimed Mrs.Melcombe with vehemence, "it's not credible that you can take up with a lout who courts you in such fashion as that.

O Laura!" she exclaimed in such distress as to give real pathos to her manner, "I little thought to see this day, I could not have believed it of you;" and she burst into an agony of tears.
"And here's a letter," she presently found voice enough to say, "here's a letter from Mr.Mortimer, to say that his brother's coming to look at the house.

Perhaps Mr.John Mortimer will come with him.

Oh, what shall I do if they hear of this ?" Laura was very much impressed.