But I don't want more publicity than
is necessary."
"But I have told some of our friends that Aunt Selina is a
relative."
"Then you should not have done so," replied her mother,
annoyed. "However, people soon forget names, and the thing
may not be noticed."
"My dear," said Octagon, seriously, "you should not be
ashamed of your sister. She may not have your renown nor rank,
still--"
"I know my own knowing," interrupted the lady rather
violently, and crushing her meek husband with a look. "Selina
and I are strangers, and have been for years. What are the
circumstances of the case? I have not seen Selina for over
fifteen years. I hear nothing about her. She suddenly writes
to me, asking if my dear children may call and see her--that
was a year ago. You insisted that they should go, Peter,
because relatives should be friendly. I consented, as I heard
from Mr. Hale that Selina was rich, and fancied she might
leave her money to my children. Juliet has called several
times--"
"More than that," interrupted Juliet in her turn, "both Basil
and I have called nearly every month. We sometimes went and
did not tell you, mother, as you seemed so annoyed that we
should visit her."
"I consented only that you might retain her goodwill and get
what money she might leave," said Mrs. Octagon obstinately.
"There is nothing in common between Selina and me."
"There was nothing in common," put in Octagon softly.
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