earthly courts she was thinking, for the first words she said to Helen on this the most important business of her life were these:
"I suppose you expected I should receive this letter, telling me the welcome news that you are chosen by Lord Viscount Meersbrook; of course you are exceedingly elated (for that is but natural) with the circumstance of taking precedence of your elder sister, more especially as the time is probably not distant when you will both walk in the coronation train of a lovely young queen—but, Helen, remember what I am now going to say."
"Yes, dear mamma," said the fluttered yet happy girl, dropping on her knees, and looking earnestly into the eyes of her mother.
"You must never forget for a moment, that your sister Mary is the wife of a baron of eleven descents, and that your viscount husband has but two; therefore, never treat your sister with even a shade of hauteur."
"Hauteur! God forbid I should treat any human being any way proudly; but my dear, dear sister Mary, the example of my life, I must always be proud of honouring and of following, so far as I am able."
