Mr. Graydon broke the seal and read it.
"It's from Lady Jane Trevithick," he said soberly; "a very civil letter. She's sorry she wasn't able to call again; and—and—she wants to know if one of you girls—she mentions Pam, I see—will go over and stay with her. It is very kind of Lady Jane."
He pushed the letter towards Pam, who took it unsteadily, and held it before her face as she read.
"I'd rather not go," said Pam, putting down the letter. "I can't go—I've no frocks."
"I should like you to go, Pam," said her father, wistfully. "The invitation is kindly meant, and Lady Jane moves in very good society, and is influential. Why should my girls be buried here? As for the frocks—I can spare ten pounds—I really can manage that. How much can be done with ten pounds, Mary?"
"Poor little girl!" said her father wistfully.
"A good deal. Oh! I hope Nancy Cullen is still at home! We'll go round after breakfast and see."
"Must I go?" said Pamela.
"I think you ought to go, Pam," said her father; "and we will travel together. I shall wait for you till you can be ready."