“Gentleman wishes to see Miss Bedford,” he said; and Ella with trembling hand took the card, to read thereon:
“Mr Charles Vining, Blandfield Court.”
Volume Two—Chapter Seven.
Mrs Brandon’s Receptions.
Mrs Brandon made no movement as the card was handed to Ella; but a look of firmness seemed imperceptibly to sweep across her pleasant matronly face, and one skilled in physiognomy would have said that she was waiting anxiously to see how the young girl would act, under what threatened to be very trying circumstances. Then, glancing at Ella, she saw her standing, pale as ashes, with the card in her hand.
“Where have you shown the gentleman, Edward?” said Mrs Brandon.
“Breakfast-room, ma’am,” said the hard footman.
“Very good; you need not wait,” said Mrs Brandon; and the next moment they were alone, when, with pleading eyes, Ella held out the card.