They all went into the drawing room, where they found Christina's aunt, who was looking smiling and happy.
"Delightful, isn't it?" said Arthur to her.
"Indeed it is; so unexpected too," she answered.
"We must talk to you, Miss Arbuthnot," said Arthur, "and let the two friends go and tell their secrets in private."
"Oh!" answered Ada grudgingly. "I wish they'd tell their secrets here; at least tell us all the news."
"So we will," said Christina, taking Nellie's hand, "but we must have a tiny talk first, Ada."
She drew Nellie from the room, and did not speak again till they were shut in her bedroom, where a fire was burning.
Christina seated herself on a sofa by it, and put her arm round Nellie's waist.
"You are not glad about it, darling?" she said inquiringly.
"Oh, Christina!" exclaimed Nellie, "I am. I could hardly be more glad."