“Then let’s lay pretense aside,” and the girl’s attitude suddenly became as haughty as the older woman’s. “Who is Jim Lindsay?”
“Mercy! I don’t know, I never heard of him. Why?”
It was impossible to doubt the sincerity of Eleanor’s speech and expression, and Avice was at once sure that it was the truth.
“Nothing, then. I don’t know him either. And Eleanor, I’ll talk with you some time, soon, about our future plans and all that, but I can’t just yet. You don’t mind my staying in the house a short time, do you?”
“Of course, not. Don’t be a goose. Stay till you marry Judge Hoyt, if you will. But I’m going away for the summer.”
“When?”
“As soon as I can settle up some matters and get off. But you stay here if you choose. Keep the servants, and get some one to chaperone you. My dear Avice, look on the place as your home just as long as it suits you to do so, won’t you?”
The invitation was given in a whole-souled, honest manner, and Avice really appreciated the kindness that prompted it.
“Thank you, Eleanor,” she said; “I shall be glad to stay for a time, I can’t say yet how long. And it’s good of you to be so hospitable.”
“I’ve asked Mr. Landon to stay a while,” Mrs. Black added, “until I go away, at any rate.”