it does not matter now

  "Oh mamma, not proud, only sensitive," interposed Alice warmly.   "I think you were wrong my dear" continued Mrs. Arlington without heeding Alice.   "Please don't', pleaded Isabel the tears gathering in her eyes "I could not help feeling so, indeed I could not."   "Don't blame her mamma, it does not matter now," put in Emily.   "She was a stupid little goose to care so much about it; and I always said so," chimed in Lucy.   "Pray who is a stupid little goose," asked Everard joining the group in the drawing-room.   "Ask no questions----you know the rest" returned Lucy saucily.   "Dear me, how late we shall be" cried Emily "what can make papa and Harry so long."   "On arriving at the Park, an unexpected pleasure caused a great deal of excitement. On entering the dressing-room they met Ada. "Oh, when did you come." I'm so glad." "How delightful." Burst from them simultaneously, as Ada was hugged in a manner that bid fair to ruin the effect of her careful toilet.   "Didn't Lucy tell you," asked Ada amazed.   "Not I," cried Lucy triumphantly.   "Oh Lucy."   Then a thundering rap at the door from Harry, who was impatient to see his sister; made them hasten down, all in high spirits at the unlooked for meeting.   Lady Ashton hardly seemed herself she was so pleasant, and even Grace did the agreeable to perfection.