The dull look left Ermengarde's eyes. They began to sparkle. She stood quite still for a moment. Then she turned slowly round and faced her little sister. All Marjorie's soul was shining out of her face at this moment.
"Do you mean this, Maggie?" asked Ermengarde.
"Of course I mean it. Aren't you glad? Aren't you delighted?"
"But how has it been managed? Father said he'd punish me for talking to Susan Collins, and he said you were to go in my stead."
"Well, now, you are to go instead of me. It's just turned round. Aren't you very glad?"
"Well, I did want to see Lilias. She's more the sort of friend for me than for you; isn't she, Maggie?"
"I suppose so," said Marjorie, suppressing a quick sigh.
"And of course Lady Russell wanted me, not you."
"Yes, I told father I was sure she'd like you best."
"Oh, you spoke to father about it?"