At this moment Mrs. Gabb appeared, with a cocked-hat note between her finger and thumb.
“It’s from the Dovecote, please, Miss; and the boy is in the hall waiting for an answer.”
The missive was addressed to me, and proved to be unexpectedly cordial. It said—
“Dear Miss Hayes,
“We shall be delighted to take you to Mrs. Cholmondeley’s to-morrow evening, and will call for you at a quarter to nine.
“Yours very sincerely,
“Jessica Benny.”
“There! You see you have no alternative,” cried Emma, triumphantly. “Just scribble a nice little note and say that you accept their kind offer with much pleasure.”
When I had despatched my reply, and taken up my needlework, Emma continued—