'She's like a queen,' said the eager child; 'her face is so stern and proud, but she's very sad! Every grown-up person seems sad about here! I like Mrs. Fairfax very much; she gave me Prince.'
Major St. Clair listened, and asked questions, and then suddenly started to his feet.
'Come for a walk with me,' he said; 'wait till I have written a letter, and then we will start.'
'To church again?' inquired Betty.
'No, not to church; to Holly Grange.'
'It's miles and miles,' said Betty dubiously; 'I went in a pony carriage, but if you go by the wood it is shorter.'
'Oh, we shall manage it very well, and if you are tired I will carry you.'
Major St. Clair's tone was quite cheerful, and Betty set off with him, delighted at being chosen as his companion.
'Are you going to see Miss Fairfax?' she asked presently.
'No, I don't think I shall go into the house at all; but I want you to take a note to Mrs. Fairfax and bring me back an answer.'