“This lady”—she went on, speaking every word as if it cost her an effort—“this Lady Despard. Will you ask her to take me?”
“But, my dear Miss Marlowe! Had you not better consider——”
“I have considered,” she said, interrupting him. “If she thinks I can be of any service to her—if she is going away from England at once——”
“She is,” he said, softly.
“Well, then—tell her, please, that I am ready; that I will go with her!”
“I will do everything you wish, my dear young lady,” he murmured. “I fear I have wearied you! Leave it all to me,” and with a softly murmured “Heaven bless you!” he left her.
CHAPTER XVIII.
FASHIONING THE WEB.
Two days later, Mrs. Jelf brought Doris a letter. The envelope bore an elaborate crest, stamped in crimson and gold, and as she opened it, a faint perfume emanated from it.
It was from Lady Despard, who wrote—in the delightfully-illegible hand, all points and angles, known as “the Italian”—that her dear friend, the well-known philanthropist, Mr. Spenser Churchill, had recommended Miss Marlowe to Lady Despard, and, placing the greatest reliance upon Mr. Churchill, her ladyship would be very pleased if Miss Marlowe would come to her at number twelve Chester Gardens, as soon as Miss Marlowe could find it convenient. Lady Despard added that she was certain, from all Mr. Churchill had said, she and Miss Marlowe would get on together, and that she intended starting for Italy as soon as possible.