But the woman started even as she asked the question, while her glance searched Virgie’s face with an eager, wondering look. Something in its delicate outlines and striking beauty seemed to arouse long dormant memories.
“Miss Alexander,” said Lady Huntington; “she and her mother arrived from New York only ten days ago. Would you like an introduction? She is very charming, and wonderfully well informed for a girl of her age.”
“Um!—yes, presently; but——Sadie, do tell me who she looks like!” and Mrs. Farnum, for it was she, turned to a queenly woman near by, to draw her attention to the fair stranger.
Sadie Farnum, or Lady Royalston, as she was now known, had long since resigned all hope of becoming the mistress of Heathdale, and, having married a wealthy lord twice her age, had given herself up to fashion and society.
“Of whom are you speaking, mamma?”
“Of that girl who is standing beside Helen Huntington. Of whom does she remind you?”
“I am sure I cannot tell,” Lady Royalston answered, searching the bright face to which her attention had been called. “It certainly has a familiar look, and yet one that I cannot place. She is very pretty.”
Mrs. Farnum did not reply, but continued to follow every movement of that graceful form, every expression of the sweet countenance, while she searched the chambers of her memory for its counterpart and the circumstances under which she had seen it.
Presently the two girls approached Lady Huntington, when she passed her arm around Virgie’s slight waist, saying:
“My dear, I wish to introduce you to an old friend who has been inquiring about you. Mrs. Farnum, allow me to present our young guest, Miss Virgie Alexander.”