Vanderholm And Mirella From The Immigrant In Jane Austen's

The dining car was well appointed with lace curtains and crisp, white tablecloths. Silver utensils matched an ornate sliver teapot that complemented the painted china dishware. This car of the train was strictly reserved for only the most well-to-do of passengers. Miss Vanderholm and Mirella sat side by side at a small, rectangular table. The seat across from them was free for their visitor. Both ladies were dressed for supper in elegant silk more fitting for an East Coast garden party than for travel in the wilder parts of the country. Status overruled sensibility, even upon a Westward bound, dusty train. ‘Decorum always’, was the old woman’s motto.

“Please, sit.” Vitrella directed Mr. Pickett upon his arrival. “I have taken the liberty