For Ethelwyn had gained a most complete influence over her, partly by her beauty, and partly by her coaxing, flattering ways. It was all so new to Pennie; and, though she was really a sensible little girl, she loved praise and caresses overmuch; like many wiser people, she could not judge anyone harshly who seemed to admire her.
So she was Ethelwyn’s closest companion in those days, and even began to imitate what she considered her elegant manners. She spoke mincingly, and took short little stiff steps in walking, and bent her head gracefully when she said, “Yes, please,” or “No, thank you.” The new plush bonnet was a misery to her, and she sighed to be beautifully dressed.
Chapter Seven.
The Chinese Mandarin.
This uncomfortable state of things had been going on for nearly a fortnight, and Ethelwyn’s visit was drawing to a close, when one morning there came a letter from Miss Unity. It contained an invitation to Pennie to stay three days at Nearminster, and ended with these words:
“If my god-daughter has her little friend still with her, I shall be glad to see her also, if she would like to come.”
Now it happened that this suggestion of Miss Unity’s came at a wonderfully convenient moment; for it had been arranged already that Ethelwyn’s governess should meet her at the Nearminster station in three days’ time, and take her back to London. She would now go from Miss Unity’s house instead of from Easney, and Mrs Hawthorn was not at all sorry to think that the children would be separated a little earlier than was first intended.
So, with many cautions not to be troublesome, not to talk in bed, and not to touch the china, she told the little girls that they were to go to Nearminster. The news quickly spread through the family, and caused a deep but secret joy to the other children, for they were very tired of Ethelwyn; nevertheless they restrained any expression of their pleasure until the day of departure, when they gathered at the white gate to see the wagonette pass. The little girls were feeling even more dignified and grown-up than usual, for it was a great event to drive over to Nearminster quite alone; therefore it was all the more trying to be greeted by a derisive song: