"Walter—you here!" she cried.
[CHAPTER XXXII.]
Walter Earle looked at his sister in surprise. He had left her rather unwell and complaining of a headache. Even now her eyes were dull and heavy, and her cheeks were flushed a feverish crimson.
"Violet, I would have waited for you if I had known you would come," he said.
"I preferred to come alone," she replied, a little shortly.
Then she went to Jaquelina and held out her hands.
"How do you do, Lina?" she said. "You must allow me to congratulate you on your brilliant success."
The words were calm and conventional; there was no heart in them. Jaquelina felt it vaguely; but she laid her hands in Violet's, kindly, and would have kissed her, only Miss Earle did not offer her lips.