“Be seated, Miss Douglas,” she said, solemnly. “I wish to speak to you upon a matter of importance.”
Brownie sat down, her clear eyes wide with wonder at her reception.
There was a moment’s awkward silence, the lady of the house hardly knowing how to commence.
“Ahem!” she began, shifting her glance from the clear, innocent eyes, which she had thought must have fallen before her accusing look. “Ahem! Miss Douglas, I have sent for you to ask what may seem a strange question; nevertheless, I feel it to be a duty to myself and family to ask it.”
Brownie’s fair face began to change color again.
Mrs. Coolidge noticed it, and her assurance was restored.
“I, of course, expect you to give me a straightforward reply,” she added, impressively.
The shining brown head was lifted a trifle, her delicate nostrils dilated, while an unwonted spark lighted those beautiful eyes, which never for a moment left the matron’s face.
She requested to give a straightforward answer!
When had she ever done otherwise?