Cicely ran off at once, and Merry and Molly were left alone.
“I know you’ll be delighted with her,” said Molly.
“It will be very delightful to see her,” replied Merry.
“You must expect to be disappointed at first, all the same,” continued Molly.
“Oh, looks do not matter one scrap,” said Merry.
“Isabel and I are going to her school; you know that, don’t you, Merry?”
“Yes,” said Merry with a sigh. “What fun you do have at your different schools! Don’t you, Molly?”
“Well, yes,” said Molly rather gravely; “but it isn’t only the fun; we see a lot of the world, and we mix with other girls and make friends.”
“Mother prefers a home education for us, and so does father,” remarked Merry. “Ah! here comes Cicely. She is flying down the terrace. Of course mother is delighted.”
This proved to be the case. Mrs. Cardew would welcome any girl introduced to her daughters through her dear friend Mr. Tristram. She sent a further invitation for the three young people to remain to an impromptu supper, which was pleasanter than late dinner in such hot weather, and asked if Mr. and Mrs. Tristram would join them at the meal.