Miss Clifford looked puzzled.
“We find our days very full,” she said. “Household duties take up a good deal of our time, and then we have our relaxations. My sister’s great hobby is literary work.”
“Oh, Phœbe!” ejaculated Miss Clara, blushing.
“Oh, but how delightful!” put in Jeannie. “Do you write much?”
“Clara has had fourteen poems in the Wroxton Chronicle,” said Miss Phœbe, with proper pride, “and another appears next week.”
“I must get it,” said Jeannie.
“Perhaps, if you are so kind as to take an interest in what I do,” said Miss Clara, “you would allow me, Miss Avesham, to send you a copy. It would be a great pleasure. The editor always sends me half a dozen copies.”
“That would be very nice of you,” said Jeannie. “And what is your hobby, Miss Clifford?”
“My sister plays the mandolin beautifully,” said Miss Clara. “She was a pupil of Professor Rimanez.”
“Why, how charming!” said Jeannie. “Do bring it round here some day, Miss Clifford, and we will have duets. I, too, play a little.”