Nothing more was said, but anger filled the hearts of both mother and son.
CHAPTER IV.
"I expect my dear friend, Miss Fanshawe, in a few days, Harold. I trust you will treat her becomingly."
"One would think I was a bear just escaped from the Zoo. Why should you fear discourtesy from me to any lady?"
"Because she is a friend of mine. Of late you seemed disposed to run counter to me in every respect."
"I have no such desire, I assure you," said Harold, gravely; and there the matter ended.
The preparation for Miss Fanshawe's reception could not have been more ambitious if she had been a royal princess. With much reluctance Mrs. Purling eschewed triumphal arches and a brass band, but she redecorated the best bedroom, and sent two carriages to the station, although her guest could hardly be expected to travel in both.
"This is Miss Fanshawe," said the heiress, with much emphasis—"the Honourable Miss Fanshawe."
"The Honourable Miss Fanshawe is only a very humble personage, not at all deserving high-sounding titles," said the young lady for herself. "My name is Phillipa—to my friends, and as such I count you, dear Mrs. Purling; perhaps some day I may be allowed to say the same of your son."