Each lady being bent on receiving, not on making revelations, nothing transpired on either side. Seeing this, Eve became impatient and made a bold move.
“Miss Fountain,” said she, “you are all alone. I wish you would come over to us this evening and have tea.”
Lucy did not immediately reply. Eve saw her hesitation. “It is but a poor place,” said she, “to ask you to.”
“I will come,” said the lady, directly. “I will come with great pleasure.”
“Will seven be too early for you?”
“Oh, no, I don't dine now my uncle is away. I call luncheon dinner.”
“Perhaps, six, then?”
“Pray let me come at your usual hour. Why derange your family for one person?” Six o'clock was settled.
“I must take some of this rubbish with me,” said Eve; “come along, my dears”; and with an ample and mock enthusiastic gesture she caught up an armful of manuscripts.
“The servant shall take them over for you.”