"I know nothing about it," said Molly.
A short silence ensued. Then Mrs. Gibson said,—
"Do you know, I almost think I must get dear papa to give a little dinner-party, and ask Mr. Osborne Hamley? I should like to have him feel at home in this house. It would be something cheerful for him after the dulness and solitude of Hamley Hall. For the old people don't visit much, I believe?"
"He's going back to Cambridge next week," said Molly.
"Is he? Well, then, we'll put off our little dinner till Cynthia comes home. I should like to have some young society for her, poor darling, when she returns."
"When is she coming?" said Molly, who had always a longing curiosity for this same Cynthia's return.
"Oh! I'm not sure; perhaps at the new year—perhaps not till Easter. I must get this drawing-room all new furnished first; and then I mean to fit up her room and yours just alike. They are just the same size, only on opposite sides of the passage."
"Are you going to new-furnish that room?" said Molly, in astonishment at the never-ending changes.
"Yes; and yours, too, darling; so don't be jealous."
"Oh, please, mamma, not mine," said Molly, taking in the idea for the first time.