Simple as any child, she accepted all the aid that Lilith could give her, even obediently submitting to have her unruly hair “fixed,” and to wear the pretty little lace cap, fichu and cuffs that Lilith’s deft fingers constructed from her own materials.
Aunt Sophie liked herself in this new dress, and did not hesitate to say so.
The dinner that followed soon was served in what was known in the maison as the petit salon. There was no one present but Madame Von Bruyin, Lilith, Mrs. Downie and Monsieur Le Grange, whom Aunt Sophie mistook for a preacher of the gospel, and ever after referred to as the old minister.
Lilith saw no more of Mr. Alfred Ancillon, or Señor Zuniga, during that day.
The next morning, after breakfast, the baroness went out shopping as usual, but excused Lilith from attending her, and took Aunt Sophie instead, “to show her the shops,” as she said.
They had not left the house more than half an hour, when a card was brought to Lilith bearing the name, Señor Zuniga.
And Lilith went down into the small drawing-room to receive him alone.
“Madame Von Bruyin has gone out and has taken Mrs. Downie with her,” said Lilith, when their mutual greetings had passed.
“Ah! I am glad! Well as I like the beautiful baroness and the good Aunt Sophie, I can dispense with their society this morning, for I wish to talk with you alone,” he said, seating himself by her side on the sofa. “I told you yesterday that I had much to say to you.”
“Yes,” she replied.