"He will trust Mr. Hurst with you!"
"Of course. Who doubts that?"
"And then—"
Lady Rose faltered, and a faint streak of carmine shot across her forehead.
"Well, what then, lady-bird? something chokes in your throat. What am I to do then?"
"Perhaps, you would let me come in, just for a moment."
"Oh-h! But don't—don't. I cannot see your pretty lip quivering so! There—there. I understand it all now!"
"And you will?"
"When did Hipple ever say no? Is she likely to begin now, when rain is getting under those eyelids? Sit down a minute, and take comfort. Things must be amiss indeed if the old woman can't set them right."
Gently forcing her young mistress into the easy-chair, the faithful old companion left the room, swift as a bird, and noiseless as a mouse. Directly she came back, and beckoned with her finger through the open door.