Evie looked for some evidence of emotion, but Christina's eyes were dry—she appeared to be happy.
"Yes—Chris, do you think I ought to take these stockings back to the store? They laddered the first time I put them on and I paid a terrible price for them."
Christina took the stockings from the girl and there all talk of Ambrose Sault came to an end.
A few afternoons later, returning from her early walk, she was met at the door by her agitated mother.
"There's a gentleman called to see you, Christina, he's in the kitchen."
"A gentleman?"
"A gentleman" might mean anything by Mrs. Colebrook's elastic description.
"He's a friend of Miss Merville's named Mr. Morelle."
"What?" Christina could hardly believe her ears. Ronnie Morelle? Had Evie conveyed her joking request to him? Even if she had, it was not likely he would call for the pleasure of seeing her.
Mrs. Colebrook hustled her into the kitchen and closed the door on them. She had all the respect of her class for the sanctity of private conversation.