then retreating a little and spreading out her arms as if to exhibit herself. "Here am I—Mrs Grandcourt! what else would you have me, but what I am sure to be? You know you were ready to die with vexation when you thought that I would not be Mrs Grandcourt."
"Hush, hush, my child, for heaven's sake!" said Mrs Davilow, almost in a whisper. "How can I help feeling it when I am parting from you? But I can bear anything gladly if you are happy."
"Not gladly, mamma, no!" said Gwendolen, shaking her head, with a bright smile. "Willingly you would bear it, but always sorrowfully. Sorrowing is your sauce; you can take nothing without it." Then, clasping her mother's shoulders and raining kisses first on one cheek and then on the other between her words, she said, gaily, "And you shall sorrow over my having everything at my beck—and enjoying everything gloriously—splendid houses—and horses—and diamonds, I shall have diamonds—and going to court—and being Lady Certainly—and Lady Perhaps—and grand here—and tantivy there—and always loving you better than anybody else in the world."
"My sweet child!—But I shall not be jealous if you love your husband better; and he will expect to be first."
