“She is Lady Desborough’s sister,” returned Rose, with dignity. “Pauline and I went to tea there yesterday. She lives in Grosvenor Square.”
“Ah, I understand now why Miss Smythe spoke of her with bated breath,” returned Tom in the light, bantering tone which so often irritated Rose. “I might have known she lived in Grosvenor Square.”
Rose refused to take notice of his raillery. “It was Mrs. Metcalfe who got Miss Sampson for Clare. She heard of her through some agency. What has made Aunt Lucy take such an interest in her, Tom? She was down here again yesterday, wasn’t she?”
“Yes. Have you seen her, Rosie?”
“For a moment or two. She looked nice, I thought. But I can’t imagine what Aunt Lucy can find for her to do.”
“Aunt Lucy is sure that she must be related to Cousin Lydia’s husband. It is natural that she should take a great interest in her. She is coming down again next week to stay for a day or two. Aunt Lucy told me this morning that she meant to ask her. I am sure you will like her, Rosie.”
Tom spoke without looking at his sister, and hurried forward to open the gate of the stable yard for her without waiting to get an answer. But Rose had no answer ready. The tone in which Tom had spoken took her breath away. He seemed to think it was a matter of importance whether she liked Miss Sampson or not.
When they got back to the house, Tom went off to his own den, and when Rose entered the drawing-room she found Pauline alone.
The latter ran towards her and caught her by both hands. Her eyes were sparkling joyfully. “My Rose, I have delightful news for you. Now, confess that I am the cleverest person in the world! I have made your aunt as anxious as you are about your music. She wants you to spend two months with me in London. Two whole long, lovely months! Think of it, Rosamunda mia! And you can come next week. It is far, far more than I ever hoped for. And, who knows, you might get an extension of leave after that. We may spend the whole summer together in the flat. Well, why don’t you say something? Aren’t you pleased?”
“But, Pauline, I can’t go. Aunt Lucy couldn’t do without me. I”—