'You must come and see me another day, when I have no business to occupy me.'
And Betty put her arms round her neck, and gave her a delighted hug.
'You will meet Nesta coming back from the church if you keep to the lane,' Mrs. Fairfax said, speaking to Major St. Clair; 'and we shall expect you to dinner tomorrow.'
He raised his hat, and strode round the shrubbery with such energy that it was all Betty could do to keep up with him.
'Don't you think Mrs. Fairfax like a queen?' asked Betty presently. 'Was she like what I told you?'
'I have seen Mrs. Fairfax before,' was the major's short reply; and Betty gave a little disappointed 'Oh!'
Not long afterwards they came in sight of Nesta. She was walking along rather slowly, her eyes and her thoughts far away; but when she saw who it was, a quick colour spread over her face.
Major St. Clair stepped forward quickly.
'Your mother has sent me to you,' he said; and there was a glad ring in his tone. Nesta looked up at him bewildered.
'My mother! Have you seen her?'