“I am so glad you have come,” she said. “We scarcely hoped that you would consent, for Deepdale must be so beautiful now, and—and you must be so happy there,” she added, shyly. “How well you look”—for the flush rose to Esmeralda’s face at Lilias’s innocent speech, but it died away presently, and Lilias added—“but you must be very tired. I will leave you so that you can rest.”
“No, no; don’t go yet!” said Esmeralda, almost hurriedly. “I am not tired; and—and I am glad to get back to see you, Lilias. How—how long have Lord Norman and—and Lady Ada been here?” she asked, inconsequently.
“They came last night,” said Lilias. “Selvaine thought we ought to ask some one so that you might not feel dull, it is such a huge place and we are so quiet, and you know them so well; they are old friends, are they not?”
“Yes,” said Esmeralda, with her face averted.
“And will you dine at the old hour, dear?” asked Lilias.
Esmeralda stared at her.
“Why do you ask me?” she asked.
Lilias blushed.
“You are the mistress here now, dearest,” she said, sweetly.
“No, no!” Esmeralda exclaimed, with a strange expression in her voice and face. “No, no! I am not!”