Half an hour before, she had been writing a letter home, in a whirl of delight and self-glorification.

The money Diana had promised would set the whole family on its legs, and Fanny had stipulated that after the debts were paid she was to have a clear, cool hundred for her own pocket, and no nonsense about it.

It was she who had done it all, and if it hadn't been for her, they might all have gone to the workhouse.
But now her success was to her as dross.

The thought of Diana's future wealth and glory produced in her a feeling which was an acute physical distress.

So Diana was to be married!--and to the great _parti_ of the neighborhood! Fanny already saw her in the bridal white, surrounded by glittering bridesmaids; and a churchful of titled people, bowing before her as she passed in state, like poppies under a breeze.
And Diana had never said a word to her about it--to her own cousin! Nasty, close, mean ways! Fanny was not good enough for Tallyn--oh no! _She_ was asked to Beechcote when there was nothing going on--or next to nothing--and one might yawn one's self to sleep with dulness from morning till night.