The Asprays’ house was two miles away. She made up her mind to walk there.
“Oh, how unkind of Flora—how horrid of her!” thought Augusta. “What can—what can be the meaning of this? Well, I will get there somehow, and shame her to her face.”
Accordingly, she started off to walk as fast as she could over the dusty roads. It was nearly ten o’clock when she reached the Asprays’. She was surprised to see no signs of festivity. A few lights were burning in the drawing-room, and a few also in the dining-room. But the place wore no air of expectancy or bustle or gaiety.
“What can it mean? Have I come on the wrong night?” thought Augusta.
She ran up the steps and sounded the front-door bell. In a moment the butler threw open the door.
“Is Miss Flora in?” asked Augusta, in some wonder.
“Yes, miss; but——
“I want to see her. I must see her at once. Show me somewhere,” said Augusta in peremptory tones.
“My mistress said, miss, no one was to come into the house, but”——
“Nonsense!” said Augusta. “I will see Miss Flora, and immediately.”