But Lottie did not appear again. Certainly her behaviour was most incomprehensible, and seemed very rude.
"I must see her," said Ann, at length; "I have something to say to her. Will you please tell her so, Mrs. Medland, or may I go upstairs to her? I should much like to speak to her alone."
"It's very good of you to trouble about her I'm sure," Mrs. Medland replied, "I can't think why she's keeping away. If you will please go upstairs, miss, you'll find her in the room which was Malvina's; she used to sleep with me, but since Malvina died she's had her little room."
"DON'T, PRAY DON'T!" LOTTIE EXCLAIMED DISTRESSFULLY.
Ann rose and went quietly upstairs. She found the bedroom door shut, and tapped upon it with her knuckles.
"Are they gone?" asked Lottie from within, evidently imagining it was her mother who had knocked.
"It is I, Lottie," Ann responded, "I want to speak to you, please."
Immediately the door was opened, and Ann stepped into the room. Lottie, who was crimson with confusion, mumbled something which sounded like an apology and stood with her eyes fixed on the floor. Ann took her hand and pressed it gently as she spoke a few sympathetic words in reference to Malvina's death.
"Don't, pray don't!" Lottie exclaimed distressfully; "you mean to be kind, I daresay, but I can't bear it! You don't know what I feel!"