“Yes, dear; if I did not want her I should not ask her to come with me.”
Lady Frances’s words were very impressive; Audrey stood silent.
“Please tell her—please tell her!” interrupted Evelyn in a voice tremulous with passion.
“We are going to have charades to-night, mother, and Evelyn’s part is somewhat important; we are all to rehearse in the schoolroom at three o’clock.”
“And my part is very important,” interrupted Evelyn again.
“I am sorry,” said Lady Frances, “but Evelyn must come with me. Is there no one else to take the part, Audrey?”
“Yes, mother; Sophie could do it. She has a very small part, and she is a good actress, and Evelyn could easily do Sophie’s part; but, all the same, it will disappoint Eve.”
“I am sorry for that,” said Lady Frances; “but I cannot alter my plans. Give Sophie the part that Evelyn would have taken; Evelyn can take her part.—You will have plenty of time, Evelyn, when you return to coach for the small part.”
“Yes, you will, Evelyn; but I am sorry, all the same,” said Audrey, and she turned away.
Evelyn’s lips trembled. She stood motionless; then she slowly revolved round, intending to fire some very angry words into Lady Frances’s face; but, lo and behold! there was no Lady Frances there. She had gone up-stairs while Evelyn was lost in thought.