Rosamund turned round to her own friend and smiled.
"Now, I will tell you something," she said. "I hold a distinct brief against myself. I did wrong, and yet in some ways I suppose I did right to go. Girls, have you ever heard any particulars with regard to Lady Jane Ashleigh?"
Laura's face turned very red.
"Of course, every one in the place respects her," she said.
"Yes, I know, and I am not a bit surprised. I told her quite frankly that I had come without leave, and she said she was sorry for that; and although she did wish to see me so much, she would insist on not allowing me to stay to supper, and brought me home, as you see, comparatively early. So you will understand that she at least is not to blame. Nevertheless, have you heard anything more of that household?"
"Only that there is a girl—a very queer girl—there," said Annie Millar in an almost spiteful voice.
"Some people say she is mad," said Laura Everett.
"Well, now, I am going to tell you something," said Rosamund. "I have seen the girl. Her name is Irene. She has quite one of the most beautiful little faces I have ever looked at. And she is the wildest, queerest creature; but not a scrap mad in the ordinary sense of the word. She and I spent a good deal of the afternoon together, and I mean to see more of her, and to make her my friend."
"But you will have so many friends!" interrupted Jane.
"Yes, every one wants to be your friend, Rosamund," said Laura in a gentle tone.