"Are you sure you have Mrs. Haughton's own orders correctly, William?"
"Yes, sir; my mistress gave them to Simpson in my hearing; and Miss
Vernon, please sir, is to have the pink room,—first room, sir."
"There must be some mistake about the green room; it is dark, cold and gloomy; in the east wing, too."
"Never mind, Eric, I shall survive it, with a bright fire, and at
Haughton."
"The pink room is cheerful, large, and with a boudoir," he said, troubled.
"William, show Somers the pink room, that she may conduct her mistress hither; I shall take the green room," said Vaura, decisively, "which I feel sure was the wish of our hostess."
"Go, Somers, and do your bidding," said her mistress; "thank you, Vaura dear, you are always thoughtful for me; and should the green room be gloomy, come and share mine."
"What a restful pair of women you are," said the Colonel, earnestly. "I feel as if I had taken a narcotic, my nerves have become so quiet; they have been going at race-horse speed. Ah!, how much I have needed you!"
"In meeting, one feels what one has lost by parting," said Lady
Esmondet, gently.
"True, Alice, I am at one with you, and feel your words to the last degree of bitterness."