"We are going down to Mrs. De Wolfe's place, Newenham Court—later on."
"Oh, so she has a place; I always understood, that she lived in hotels and steamers, and had no home?"
"She found it so lonely, living all by herself."
"Then why not have a companion?" demanded Mrs. Taylor, "goodness knows they are cheap enough!"
"She has a companion now,—she has me," declared Nancy with a smile.
"Oh, you!" with an impatient sniff, "you won't last her long; young women with money, are soon snapped up. You'll marry within six months."
"I assure you, I shall not."
"Ah, that is how girls always talk," broke in Miss Dolling, "I used to say the very same things myself; you have yet to meet your fate," and she heaved a heavy sigh, as with her head on one side, she dreamily contemplated Nancy,—the daughter of her one, and only love!
Before the visitor took leave, she was invited, nay, almost commanded, to come and stay at Queen's Gate. This invitation she firmly, but very civilly declined. Mrs. De Wolfe could not possibly spare her.
"Well," said Mrs. Jenkins, looking alarmingly pink and angry, "I do think your own aunt has a claim before strangers; I shall expect you to give me at least a week."