"Father," she began, "I am invited to tea in Rajahpore with a lady I once knew slightly; I have no desire to know her any better. My mother accepted the invitation, and now insists on sending Dominga with me. I'm sure Mrs. Barwell will think it a great intrusion. What am I to do?"
"Go, my dear," was his surprising reply; "go; you must submit to your mother. There is no alternative."
"Go?" she repeated incredulously. "You are not in earnest!"
"Yes," and his voice faltered, poor, craven man. "Go for my sake, Verona—and the sake of peace. These scenes"—and he nodded towards the verandah—"are distracting. Oh, go, my dear, for God's sake—it will only be a little hurt to your pride, and it will soon be over!" and with this extremely faint consolation, Verona, holding her head very high, went down the steps and took her place in the victoria beside her exultant sister.
CHAPTER XXV
As Verona bowled along the road beside Dominga, she felt brave enough to cope with this unprecedented occasion. When she thought of her father's miserable eyes, and agonised appeal, she was prepared to face a dozen Mrs. Barwells, but by and by, her courage subsided; the cold fit came on, her heart beat fast, her lips trembled involuntarily. She was aware that for the first time in her life she was about to take an unwarrantable liberty. They had all too soon reached their journey's end; dashed up a gravelled avenue, and come to a full stop under the porch of Major Barwell's bungalow. Presently they were ushered into the presence of the lady of the house, who was lolling in an armchair, reading a paper. She rose with alacrity to greet her visitor, but when she caught sight of "Red Chandos" behind her pretty pale sister, her agreeable smile instantly changed to an expression of angry astonishment.
"I have ventured to bring Dominga," said Verona, rather faintly.
"So it seems," rejoined Mrs. Barwell, with an almost imperceptible inclination of the head.
"A most unexpected honour"—the words were "unexpected honour," but tone was "unpardonable impertinence."
Mrs. Barwell raised her voice and called, "Qui Hye." A servant came running in.