“We have always called her that. She is just like moss, so soft and yet so springy; so comfortable, and yet you dare not take too much liberty with her. She is fragile, too, and mother had to take great care of her. I should like you to see her; she would——”
“What would she do?” asked Sylvia.
“She would understand you; she would draw part at least of the trouble away.”
“Oh! don’t, Arthur—don’t, don’t read me like that,” said the girl.
The tears just dimmed her eyes. She dashed them away, laughed again merrily, and the next moment had turned the corner and was lost to view.
CHAPTER XI.—“I CANNOT ALTER MY PLANS.”
Immediately after lunch Lady Frances beckoned Evelyn to her side.
“Go up-stairs and ask Jasper to dress you,” she said. “The carriage will be round in a few minutes.”
Evelyn wanted to expostulate. She looked full at Audrey. Surely Audrey would protect her from the terrible infliction of a long drive alone with Lady Frances! Audrey did catch Evelyn’s beseeching glance; she took a step forward.
“Do you particularly want Evelyn this afternoon, mother?” she asked.