Harriet, who had noted the arrival, was ready to receive Mattie. She ran to her and kissed her. Harriet's first impulse was a kind and loving one whenever she met Mattie first; only as the interview lengthened, did her doubts—if they could be called doubts—step in and range themselves formally beside her, and render her almost reserved. The kiss with which they parted, always savoured more of the new Harriet, than of the bright-faced beauty whom Sidney had once loved, Mattie thought.
"Harriet, I want you to come with me, if you will," said Mattie.
"I am rather busy just now, Mattie," said Harriet; "where do you wish to take me?"
"To see Sidney Hinchford," was the calm reply.
"To see whom!" ejaculated Harriet.
Before Mattie could explain, Harriet added—
"What object can you have in taking me to him?—in coming in this strange hurried manner for me? Has he sent you?"
"No."
"He has no wish that I should be near him, I am sure. This is eccentric and foolish—what do you mean by it?"
Harriet's haughty gesture would have done more credit to royal blood than to old Wesden's.