Betty coloured up with pleasure. 'I shall like to do that,' she said; 'it's such a nice house inside, and you should see the flowers! I think I could be quite happy if I were Mrs. Fairfax, couldn't you?'
She chattered on, and when at last the gates were reached, Major St. Clair entrusted her with the important letter.
'Give it to Mrs. Fairfax yourself, Betty, and tell her I would like to see her very much.'
Betty nodded, and clasped the letter tightly in one little hand, Prince followed her closely up the drive. The hall-door stood open, and for a moment the child hesitated; then the old butler crossed the hall, and she called out eagerly,—
'Please, can I come in and see Mrs. Fairfax?'
The man looked surprised. 'I don't think she will see you,' he said, smiling; 'Mrs. Fairfax sees no visitors.'
'But I'm not a visitor,' said the little girl; 'I'm only Betty, and I've got a letter to give her.'
'I will go and see.'
He disappeared, but returned a minute after.
'Come in, missy—this way.'