“That I can absolutely assure you she will never do. I am exceedingly obliged to you. Will you come with me now and let me say a few words to my aunt; for as you have made your definite promise to leave Maggie alone, my aunt must make a definite promise to you.”
Lady Lysle was much astonished, as she sat wearily in her carriage, when a red-faced, bald-looking, stout grocer accompanied her elegant young niece to the carriage-door.
“Aunt Lucia,” said Aneta, “this is Mr. Martin.”
Lady Lysle gave the faintest inclination of her head.
“Proud to see your ladyship,” said Martin.
“I have been making arrangements with Mr. Martin,” said 175 Aneta, “and on certain conditions he will do what I want. Will you please, in future, get your groceries from him?”
“I will faithfully attend to you, my lady, if agreeable to you. I will come weekly for horders. I will do anything to oblige your ladyship.”
“Please, auntie, you’ve got to do it,” said Aneta.
“My dear, it depends on Watson, my housekeeper.”
“Oh, I’ll manage Watson,” said Aneta, springing lightly into the carriage, her face all beams and smiles.—“It is quite right, Mr. Martin; and you will get your second order this evening. You won’t forget about the tea and currants and sugar for the poor people.—Now, auntie, will you drive me back to Aylmer House, or shall we go straight to Eaton Square?”