“Yes; but you are at home, remember. I have to go to my home.”
“Well, I do not see why I should go to bed an hour before I wish to. Do go if you wish, Sylvia; I will see you another time. You will find Jasper up-stairs, and she will do anything for you you want.”
Sylvia said nothing more. She stood silent for a minute; then noticing Lady Frances in the distance, she ran up to her.
“Good night, Lady Frances,” she said; “and thank you very much.”
“I am glad you have enjoyed yourself, Miss Leeson,” said the lady. She looked full into the sparkling eyes, and suddenly felt a curious drawing towards the girl. “Tell me where you live,” she said, “and who your mother is; I should like to have the pleasure of calling on her.”
Sylvia’s face suddenly became white. Her eyes took on a wild and startled glance.
“I have no mother,” she said slowly; “and please do not call, Lady Frances—please don’t.”
“As you please, of course,” said Lady Frances in a very stiff tone. “I only thought——”
“I cannot explain. I cannot help what you think of me. I know I shall not see you, perhaps, ever again—I mean, ever again like this,” said Sylvia; “but thank you all the same.”
She made a low courtesy, but did not even see the hand which Lady Frances was prepared to hold out. The next instant she was skimming lightly up-stairs.