“I have something to say to you, Lady Lushington,” said Priscilla.
“You are Priscilla Weir?” said that lady. “There is a great difference between you and the little girl with the blue eyes. What is her name?”
“Annie Brooke.”
“You are very great friends, are you not?”
“We are schoolfellows,” was Priscilla’s reply. Lady Lushington looked all over the girl. The expression of her face signified disapproval; but suddenly her eyes met the large, grey ones of Priscilla and a curious feeling visited her. She was a kindly woman, although full of prejudices.
“Sit down, child,” she said. “If you have something really to say I will listen; although, to tell you the truth, I am exceedingly hungry, and am waiting for you all to dine with me in the restaurant.”
“I am not hungry,” said Priscilla, “and, if you will excuse me, I will not go to the restaurant to-night; your kind maid will bring me something to eat in my bedroom.”
“You are tired from your journey, poor girl! Well, then, go to bed and get rested. We start for Interlaken in the morning.”
“That is why I must trouble you to-night,” said Priscilla.
“Why, my dear? Do sit down.”