"So this is your particular friend, Bee!" Mrs. Major's eyes examined Magda kindly, as she shook hands.
Bee looked rather sad.
"I thought I had better come directly—though of course—though I was afraid—I thought you might be too busy—"
"Not at all, Magda. Mother was so good—only think, instead of waiting for me to come home and help her, as I expected, she did everything with the maids, and had the whole house straight before I arrived. It was such a surprise."
"Then Mrs. Major has been here some time."
"More than a fortnight. And how she must have worked!"
"Work does nobody harm. Sit down, Miss Royston. Tea is coming directly."
As Mrs. Major spoke, the neat young girl brought in a tray, placing it upon a small basket-table.
Magda murmured indistinct thanks, adding, "And you like Burwood?"
"It is not new to me. I used to visit in the neighbourhood when I was a child."