Mrs Prothero soon appeared.
'You good, clear Mrs Prothero!' exclaimed Miss Gwynne, running up to her and taking both her hands. 'You look quite worn out. How is that poor girl?'
'Alive, Miss Gwynne, and that is almost all,' was the reply very gravely uttered.
'Can we do anything? Did Dr Richards come?'
'Yes, Miss Gwynne, and was very kind. He has been again this morning.'
'I came to invite Mr Rowland and Netta to dinner on Wednesday, with Mr and Mrs Jonathan Prothero.'
'Thank you, Miss Gwynne, I will tell Rowland; but I really think Netta had better not go.'
'I have just told her of the invitation.'
'Dear me! I am really very sorry. I beg your pardon, Miss Gwynne, but it will put ideas into her head above her station.'
'We shall be very quiet.'