Babie was enraptured to be going to Mother Carey and Armine, and
Elvira was enchanted to leave the schoolroom behind her, being fully
aware that she always had more notice and indulgence from outsiders
than at home, or indeed from anyone who had been disappointed at her
want of all real affection.
"You are just like a dragon fly," said Babie to her; "all brightness
outside and nothing within."
This unusually severe remark came from Babie's indignation at
Elvira's rebellion against going to River Hollow to take leave. It
would be a melancholy visit, for her grandfather had become nearly
imbecile since he had had a paralytic stroke, in the course of the
winter, and good sensible Mrs. Gould had died of fever in the
previous autumn.
Elvira, who had never liked the place, now loathed it, and did not
seem capable of understanding Babie's outburst.
"Not like to go and see them when they are ill and unhappy! Elfie,
how can you?"
"Of course I don't! Grandpapa kisses me and makes me half sick."
"But he is so fond of you."
"I wish he wasn't then. Why, Babie, are you going to cry? What's
the matter?"
"It is very silly," said Babie, winking hard to get rid of her tears;
"but it does hurt me so to think of the good old gentleman caring
more for you than anybody, and you not liking to go near him.
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