“If you would only come upstairs,” implored Ethel, at the door, “I have something to tell you alone.”
“I shall come up in due time. I thought you had outgrown closetings and foolish secrets,” said Flora.
Her movements were quickened, however, by her father, who, finding her with Margaret in the drawing-room, ordered her upstairs in a peremptory manner, which she resented, as treating her like a child, and therefore proceeded in no amiable mood to the room, where Ethel awaited her in wild tumultuous impatience.
“Well, Ethel, what is this grand secret?”
“Oh, Flora! Mr. Ernescliffe is at the Swan! He has been speaking to papa about Margaret.”
“Proposing for her, do you mean?” said Flora.
“Yes, he is coming to see her this afternoon, and that is the reason that papa wants us to be all out of the way.”
“Did papa tell you this?”
“Yes,” said Ethel, beginning to perceive the secret of her displeasure, “but only because I was the first person he met; and Norman guessed it long ago. Do put on your things! I’ll tell you all I know when we are out. Papa is so anxious to have the coast clear.”
“I understand,” said Flora; “but I shall not go with you. Do not be afraid of my interfering with any one. I shall sit here.”