Sir Henry Beauchamp returned to the house, to examine the poor lamb’s leg, and to see what could be done for it. Miss Beauchamp went likewise, to assist in nursing her favourite.
Lady Beauchamp took Julia by the hand, and said, “I am much obliged to you, my dear, for all the trouble you have taken. Come with me, and eat some strawberries and milk, to cool and refresh yourself: you appear fatigued and heated.”
Julia. Thank you, ma’am; I should like to rest myself, for I am tired; but I do not think mamma would be pleased, if I went with you without her permission; and she only gave me leave to go into the lane to pick flowers. Besides, I am to go into the house again at seven o’clock; and I wish very much indeed to get some primroses and violets, to ornament Mary’s room against to-morrow.
Lady B. You are right, my dear, not to do any thing your mamma would disapprove. What is your name, my love? Where does your mamma live? I should like so good a child to come and play with my little girl. If I ask your mamma, perhaps she will allow you to come, some evening, and drink tea with us. I do not think you would dislike strawberries and milk for supper, if your mamma approved it. Should you?
Julia, smiling, answered, “Oh, no, ma’am! I like strawberries very much. I used to eat them, last summer; but I did not know there were any ripe now: we have none in our garden. The strawberry-plants are only in blossom.”
Lady B. I have none ripe in the garden. Those I shall give you will come out of a hot-house. Where do you live, my dear? What is your name?
Julia. My name is Julia Vincent, ma’am: mamma lives at the top of the lane.
Lady B. At the pretty white cottage, which stands in a garden? I recollect it. Mrs. Vincent has not lived there long, I think?
Julia. No, ma’am; only a little while. We lived in London before. I do not like London. Mary will come down to-morrow, for the first time. I forget, I shall not be able to gather the flowers for her, if I do not make haste. Good bye, ma’am.
Lady B. Who is Mary?