"Worse and worse!" said Ida, sorrowfully. "Unkind as she has been, I would not wound her; and she will never be persuaded that the insult was unpremeditated."
"'Insult!' forsooth! who is insulted, pray, but yourself, by the intrusion of a woman, who has reviled and backbitten you, until the town cried out against her evil tongue! Oh! the shamelessness of a wicked gossip!"
"Where is she?" questioned Ida.
"In the north chamber. Anna Talbot, Messrs. Thornton and Villet came with her."
"Charley said he asked them—and I am glad Anna is here—but oh! Josephine! and I am en dishabille! Emma, will you run up to them? you are at home."
"Willingly." The kind-hearted girl emptied her lap of the flowers.
"And explain everything," said Ida.
"Yes—make all right! Comfort yourself;" and away she flew.
Her face, upon her re-entrance, boded well for Ida's hopes.
"What did she say?" inquired the latter, anxiously.