So after dinner I sent Caesar for the chair, and, dressed in my best, went over to Charles Street to see Hatty. I sent in my name, and waited an infinite time in a cold room before any one appeared. At last Charlotte bounced in—I cannot use another word, for it was just what she did—saying,—
“O Cary, you here? Emily is coming, as soon as she can settle her ribbons. Isn’t it fun? They are all coming out in red now.”
“I don’t think it is fun at all,” said I. “It is very sad.”
“Oh, pother!—what do you and I care?” cried she.
“You do not care much, it seems,” said I: but Charlotte was off again before I had finished.
A minute later, the door opened much more gently, and Amelia entered in her calm, languid way. But as soon as she saw me, her eyes lighted up, and she closed the door and sat down.
Amelia spoke in a hurried whisper as she kissed me.
“One word, before any one comes,” she said. “Insist on seeing Hatty. Don’t go without it.”
“Will they try to prevent me?” I replied.
Before she could answer, Mrs Crossland sailed in, all over rose-coloured ribbons.