"Nonsense, child! Not care to see Wyndward Hall! Nonsense! Besides, it's Lady Lilian; we must go, Stella."
She still stood with the letter in her hand.
"But—but, uncle—I have nothing to wear."
"Nothing to wear!" And he looked at her up and down.
"Nothing fit for Wyndward Hall," she said. "Uncle, I don't think I care to go."
He laughed gently.
"You will find something to wear between now and half-past seven to-morrow," he said, "or my faith in Mrs. Penfold's resources will be shaken. Accept, my dear."
She went slowly to the table and wrote two lines—two lines only.
"Dear Lady Lilian.—We shall be very glad indeed to come and see you to-morrow. Yours very truly,"
"Stella Etheridge."
Then she rang the bell and gave the note to Mrs. Penfold.