Mrs Harrington rang the bell violently, and Dora felt almost too much alarmed to speak; she did, however, suggest that Margaret and Miss Cunningham should tell the whole story, as she felt certain there must be some mistake. Again Margaret would have replied; but Miss Cunningham, who was standing at her side, pressed her hand as a signal for silence, and at that instant the servant entered.
"Let the pony-carriage be ordered directly," said Mrs Harrington: "I wish it to be at the door in an hour's time. I will not hear another word, Dora," she added: "the case is quite clear. Go immediately, and let Miss Morton know when the carriage will be ready."
"Oh mamma!" exclaimed Dora, while tears rushed to her eyes—"if you would send Morris."
"Dora, I will be obeyed instantly," said Mrs Harrington.
"But Amy is not come home yet, mamma," persisted Dora, seizing eagerly upon any chance of a respite.
"Did you not hear me order the pony-carriage?" was the answer. "Of course, I knew that your cousin was not returned."
Mrs Harrington left the room, and Dora was about reluctantly to follow, when the servant came back to say that the carriage was just coming down the avenue, and to inquire whether it would make any difference in the order.
Dora for once in her life heartily wished that Amy had remained longer away, for she feared that even less time might now be allowed Miss Morton; and she fancied every delay might be of use. "I will ask mamma myself," she said, unwilling that anything should be settled without her knowledge. And after lingering a few minutes longer, she walked slowly away; and Margaret and Miss Cunningham were again left alone.
"I hope you give me credit for my management, Margaret," said Lucy. "We have had a happy escape."
"I don't know," replied Margaret; "it must all come out by and by."