Wives and Daughters: An Every-Day Story - Page 99/572

"Yes; Hyacinth! It's the silliest name I ever heard of; but it's

hers, and I must call her by it. I can't bear Clare, which is

what my lady and all the family at the Towers call her; and 'Mrs.

Kirkpatrick' is formal and nonsensical too, as she'll change her name

so soon."

"When, papa?" asked Molly, feeling as if she were living in a

strange, unknown world.

"Not till after Michaelmas." And then, continuing on his own

thoughts, he added, "And the worst is, she's gone and perpetuated her

own affected name by having her daughter called after her. Cynthia!

One thinks of the moon, and the man in the moon with his bundle of

faggots. I'm thankful you're plain Molly, child."

"How old is she--Cynthia, I mean?"

"Ay, get accustomed to the name. I should think Cynthia Kirkpatrick

was about as old as you are. She's at school in France, picking up

airs and graces. She's to come home for the wedding, so you'll be

able to get acquainted with her then; though, I think, she's to go

back again for another half-year or so."