“I have told no one yet. When Nan is older she shall know.”
“And these other people?”
“The Asprays. I hope Nan will not go to them. They have quite another reason for wishing to have her as one of the family. Now, do not ask me any more. I hear our guests arriving. Will you stay with me, or go upstairs to Nan?”
“I think I will stay if you do not mind; I can go up to Nan later on. What an interesting story! And what a dear aunty you are!”
Augusta rose as she spoke, and kissed Mrs. Richmond on her cheek.
Several ladies came into the room, and one and all admired Augusta; for her manners were good, and she had an attentive, thoughtful way which stood her in excellent stead with her elders. By-and-by she went upstairs of her own accord, and then the ladies turned to Mrs. Richmond and praised her, saying what a very nice girl they considered her.
When Augusta went back to the schoolroom she found that Nan’s foot was really very painful.
“I must not walk any more,” she said. “What have you been doing, Augusta? Have you had a good time?”
“I have been listening to a story about you,” said Augusta in a marked voice.
She looked full at Nan, who felt her heart beat, and who coloured uncomfortably. Just then there came the sound of laughter and of voices, and the next instant the two little girls and their governess entered the room. They brought big baskets of violets and primroses. The air of the schoolroom was full of the sweet scent of the violets. Kitty rushed up to Nan and kissed her: then they both saw Augusta, who was standing in the background, and uttered a shout of delight. Augusta went up to them, kissed them both, and stood close to Nan.