“Thank you, dear,” returned Rose, in evident amusement, bestowing an affectionate kiss upon the child.
Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore themselves conducted their older guests to the apartments prepared for them, Annis and Elsie following.
“Oh, how charming!” was Mildred’s delighted exclamation when shown into the beautiful boudoir, whence open doors gave glimpses of dressing and bedrooms equally inviting in appearance; and she turned with beaming countenance to her hospitable entertainers, adding, “What a haven of rest after our long, weary journey!”
“I hope it may prove so, indeed,” Rose said, looking greatly pleased.
“We want you to make yourself perfectly at home in our house, Milly,” added Mr. Dinsmore. “You, too, Charlie; call for anything you want; a servant will always be ready to answer your ring. And do not feel that you are trammelled by any of the rules of our establishment; rise in the morning and retire at night, come and go, as you like. We will be glad of your company when you are disposed to favor us with it, but when you prefer the solitude of these rooms, do not hesitate to indulge that preference,” he concluded laughingly, as he withdrew, presently followed by his wife.
In the mean while Elsie, after allowing Annis a hasty survey of Mildred’s apartments, had taken her into an adjoining bedroom, saying, “Now, Annis, dear, you are to choose between this room and another next to my sleeping-room. Mamma said so because she was not sure whether you would care most to be near Cousin Milly or near me.”
For several minutes Annis gazed about her in silence, seemingly struck dumb with surprise and admiration at the richness and beauty of her surroundings.
A velvet carpet covered the floor, lace curtains draped the windows, the bed-spread and pillow-shams were of pink silk covered with a film of lace, chairs and couches were cushioned with satin damask, while sweet-scented hothouse flowers and a variety of other pretty things were scattered here and there with lavish hand.
“Oh,” she cried, at last, drawing a long breath, “what a lovely room! fit for a queen, I am sure! Did Cousin Rose really intend it for me?”
“Yes; if you prefer it to the other, Annis. But won’t you see that before you decide? I should so like to have you close beside me,” Elsie said, half imploringly, putting an arm about Annis’s waist and drawing her toward a door opposite that by which they had entered the room.