"Carpets? I have a Turkey carpet that would just suit one of those old rooms--old-fashioned rooms are so much thought of at present," said the man of furniture.
"Yes--I suppose that would do," said Reginald, with a side look at his sister, to know if he was right. Ursula slew him with a glance of her brown eyes. She was almost grand in superior knowledge and righteous indignation.
"Turkey! are you out of your senses? Do you think we have the Bank in our pockets," she whispered to him angrily, "as Janey says?"
"How was I to know? He said so," said the alarmed chaplain, cowed, notwithstanding his income.
"_He_ said so! that is just like you boys, taking whatever everyone tells you. Why, a Turkey carpet costs a fortune. Mr. Holden, I think, if you please, Brussels will do; or some of those new kinds, a jumble of colours without any decided pattern. Not too expensive," said Ursula solemnly, the colour mounting to her face. They were all rather brought down from their first delight and grandeur when this was said--for stipulating about expense made a difference all at once. The delightful sensation of marching into Holden's as if the world belonged to them was over; but Janey was touched to see that Holden still remained civil, and did not express, in his countenance, the contempt he must have felt.
When this was over, and Mr. Holden had kindly suggested the idea of sending various stuffs to the College, "that they might judge of the effect," the party went home, slightly subdued. The air was heavy and yellow, and prophesied snow; but a very red wintry sun had managed to make an opening temporarily in the clouds, and threw a ruddy ray down Grange Lane, bringing out the few passengers who were coming and going under the old garden walls. Ursula clasped her hands together, and came to a stop suddenly, when she turned her eyes that way.
"Oh!" she said, "here she is--she is coming! all by herself, and we can't help meeting her--the young lady in black!"
"Shall we speak to her?" said Janey with a little awe.
"Who is the young lady in black?" said Reginald, "this girl who is coming up? I never saw her before in Carlingford. Is she some one you have met with the Dorsets? She don't look much like Grange Lane."