If I had a daughter
of my own I should, of course, expect that she would reap the benefit of
this on her marriage, and my niece is the same to me as a daughter. I
think that this is quite understood now among people in society. Lucinda
will be disappointed much if you do not send her what she thinks she has a
right to expect. Of course you can deduct the brooch if you please.
"Yours, very sincerely,
"JANE CARBUNCLE."
Mr. Hanbury Smith was something of a wag, and caused his wife to write
back as follows:
"DEAR MRS. CARBUNCLE: I quite acknowledge the reciprocity system, but
don't think it extends to descendants, certainly not to nieces. I
acknowledge, too, the present quoted at ?10. I thought it had been ?7
10_s._"--"The nasty, mean creature," said Mrs. Carbuncle, when showing the
correspondence to Lizzie, "must have been to the tradesman to inquire! The
price named was ?10, but I got ?2 10_s._ off for ready money."--"At your
second marriage I will do what is needful; but I can assure you I haven't
recognised nieces with any of my friends.
"Yours, very truly,
"CAROLINE HANBURY SMITH."
The correspondence was carried no further, for not even can a Mrs.
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