“I am afraid I don’t know anyone,” answered Robin. Modesty also prevented her from saying that she thought she did. She herself was well educated, she was good tempered and well bred, and she had known for some time that she was pretty.
“Perhaps Fräulein Hirsch may bring you in to have tea with me some afternoon when you are out,” Lady Etynge said kindly before she left them. “I think you would like to see Hélène’s rooms. I should be glad to hear what another girl thinks of them.”
Robin was delighted. Perhaps this was a way opening to her. She talked to Mademoiselle Vallé about it and so glowed with hope that Mademoiselle’s heart was moved.
“Do you think I might go?” she said. “Do you think there is any chance that I might be the right person? Am I nice enough—and well enough educated, and are my manners good?”
She did not know exactly where Lady Etynge lived, but believed it was one of those big houses in a certain dignified “Place” they both knew—a corner house, she was sure, because—by mere chance—she had one day seen Lady Etynge go into such a house as if it were her own. She did not know the number, but they could ask Fräulein.
Fräulein Hirsch was quite ready with detail concerning her former patroness and her daughter. She obviously admired them very much. Her manner held a touch of respectful reverence. She described Hélène’s disposition and delicate nerves and the perfection of the nuns’ treatment of her.
She described the beauty of the interior of the house, its luxury and convenience, and the charms of the suite of apartments prepared for Hélène. She thought the number of the house was No. 97 A. Lady Etynge was the kindest employer she had ever had. She believed that Miss Gareth-Lawless and Hélène would be delighted with each other, if they met, and her impression was that Lady Etynge privately hoped they would become friends.
Her mild, flat face was so modestly amiable that Mademoiselle Vallé, who always felt her unattractive femininity pathetic, was a little moved by her evident pleasure in having been the humble means of providing Robin with acquaintances of an advantageous kind.
No special day had been fixed upon for the visit and the cup of tea. Robin was eager in secret and hoped Lady Etynge would not forget to remind them of her invitation.
She did not forget. One afternoon—they had not seen her for several days and had not really expected to meet her, because they took their walk later than usual—they found her just rising from her seat to go home as they appeared.