"No, I think you will soon grow more cautious about getting into
ridiculous positions."
"Isn't laughing a wholesome pastime?"
"Not when it is at those who ought to be looked up to."
"Oh! I'm not made to be looked up to. I'm not going to be a hero to
my valet de chambre, or to anybody else, my dear, if that's what you
want of me!"
Mary secretly hoped that a little more dignity would come in the
London life, and was relieved when the time came for the move. The
new abode was a charming house, with the park behind it, and the
space between nearly all glass. Great ferns, tall citrons, fragrant
shrubs, brilliant flowers, grew there; a stone-lined pool, with
water-lilies above, gold-fish below, and a cool, sparkling, babbling
fountain in the middle. There was an open space round it, with low
chairs and tables, and the parrot on her perch. Indeed, Popinjay
Parlour was the family title of this delightful abode; but it might
almost as well have been called Mother Carey's bower. Here, after an
audience with the housekeeper, who was even more overpowering than
her Serene Highness, would Caroline retreat to write notes, keep
accounts, and hear Armine's lessons, secure before luncheon from all
unnecessary interruption; and here was her special afternoon and
evening court.
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