They were interrupted by the entrance of the Bennetts with Mrs. Gray, and such happy greetings were never seen before.
Mrs. Bennett, grown matronly and stylish, hugged and kissed her dear pupil until she was quite out of breath.
Mrs. Gray followed suit when she got a chance, and Giles Bennett squeezed her little hand until her fingers ached.
Then every one told Leola she was lovelier than ever, and it was easy for her to return the compliment, for prosperity and happiness had worked a vast improvement in all three.
A great chattering ensued, all trying to talk at once; for, said Mrs. Bennett, roguishly:
“We must talk as fast as we can, for some one else is coming presently, and he warned us that when he appeared he wanted to have the field all to himself.”
How Leola’s heart beat! how her cheeks burned! She stole a glance at herself in the long, gilded mirror, wondering if he would think her as pretty, in her costly silk gown and fine laces, as in the simple cotton gown of the rustic maiden. The mirror assured her she was even more charming now, for it is not to be disputed that “fine feathers make fine birds.”
They told her all over again the story Jessie had related that morning, adding some that she had preferred not to tell.
The Stirlings had done their best to lure Chester Olyphant back, but all in vain; and losing their last dollar, the girl had found employment as companion to a rich old woman going abroad, and the mother eked out existence visiting around among friends of her better days. Jessie had sent a last appeal to Chester the day before, and he had answered it with silent scorn.
Suddenly their talk was interrupted by the entrance of a servant carrying a card to Mr. Mead.