"That at least is something. On the Patna, they were positively nil. Poor forlorn child, I took pity upon you, as I would on a drowning kitten!"
"You did," assented the girl, with laughing eyes, "and here I am on your hands, a full-grown young cat!"
"Claws and all complete, a most formidable responsibility! Well, I threw you a plank and brought you to land,—some of these days I may float you off again, upon the sea of matrimony."
"No, no, dear Auntie Wolf," laying her hand on hers, "I'm very happy as I am,—please don't dream of such a thing."
"Well, if I do not,—others will. Ah, there are Sir Lucas and Major Horne, waiting for us," she added, as they turned into the garden, and dashed up the entrance of Mena House. "I wonder if the Millers have secured their cabins in our steamer?"
"I think so, and you will find Major Horne will be of the party,—I have a presentiment, that he hopes to marry Billy."
CHAPTER XXIV
A LITTLE DINNER FOR THREE
The end of April found Mrs. De Wolfe and her protégée in London, installed in a fine suite at the Hyde Park Hotel. The position suited the old lady, as here she was surrounded by connections and friends. There was her sister-in-law in Park Lane, her niece in Belgrave Square, the Hillsides within a stone's throw, and the Millers in Pont Street. She and her young companion were soon sought out, and overwhelmed with invitations, and Nancy lived in a whirl of agreeable engagements.