ok well among the others, and yet not be too
expensive, was a problem which the country neighbours had much and
painfully considered. The Hudsons had given Elinor a little tea-kettle
upon a stand, which they were painfully conscious was only plated, and
sadly afraid would not look well among all the gorgeous articles with
which no doubt her grand new connections had loaded her. The Rector came
himself, with his ladies to see how the kettle looked, with a great line
of anxiety between his brows; but when they saw that the revolving
dishes beside it, which were the gift of the wealthy Lady Mariamne, were
plated too, and not nearly such a pretty design, their hearts went up in
instant exhilaration, followed a moment after by such indignation as
they could scarcely restrain. "That rich sister, the woman who married
the Jew" (which was their very natural explanation of the lady's
nickname), "a woman who is rolling in wealth, and who actually made up
the match!" This was crescendo, a height of scorn impossible to describe
upon a mere printed page. "One would have thought she would have given
a diamond necklace or something of consequence," said Mrs. Hudson in
her husband's ear. "Or, at least silver," said the Rector. "These
fashionable people, though they give themselves every luxury, have
sometimes not very much money to spend; but silver, at least, she might
have been expected to give silver." "It is simply disgraceful," said the
Rector's wife. "I am glad, at all events, my dear," said he, "that our
little thing looks just as well as any." "It is one of the prettiest
things she has got," said Mrs. Hudson, with a proud heart. Lord St. Serf
sent an old-fashioned little ring in a much worn velvet case, and the
elder brother, Lord Lomond, an album for photographs. The Rector's
wife indicated these gifts to her husband with little shrugs of her
shoulders. "If that's all the family can do!" she said: "why Alice's
cushion, which was worked with floss silks upon satin, was a more
creditable present than that." The Miss Hills, who as yet had not had
an opportunity, as they said, of giving their present, roamed about,
curious, inspecting everything. "What is the child to do with a kettle,
a thing so difficult to pack, and requiring spirit for the lamp, and all
that--and only plated!" the Hills said to each other. "Now, that little
teapot of ours," said Jane to Susan, "if mother would only consent to
it, is no use to us, and would look