Though Grace had so decidedly put her upon one side, she knew that this was not final. She was shrewd enough to see that if the girl could not carry out her plan in any other way she might be asked to undertake the task; and, though she was an invalid, so much of her ailment was on her nerves, that cheerful society might do her good.
She extended the hand of forgiveness to Grace, therefore, with a tinge of patronage, and peace was so far established between them.
Much to Margaret's indignation Grace insisted upon advertising, and her advertisement caused no little discussion between the sisters.
"I shall put it, 'A young lady of position, and of good birth, wishes to reside with a lady of ...' I am afraid if I put in 'rank' it will look snobbish," she said, reflectively, "and I do not care if she has rank or not. I only want to be with somebody who knows every one!"
"I do not see how you can word it so as to express your whole meaning," said Margaret; "and you really do not know, yourself, what you want."
Grace smiled.
"Oh, yes, I do. I want plenty of really good society. Why go over it all again?"
"Because you are asking what I fancy is an impossibility. If you were an heiress, then all would be easy enough; but with moderate means, I repeat, no one with a position will be troubled with such a charge."
Grace however persisted, and when the advertisement had been for some days staring her in the face she received two answers.
"Lady Turnbull will be glad to afford an interview to the young lady wishing to go into society, and wishes to know what sum the young lady proposes to contribute in return for chaperonage, board, lodging, and anxiety of mind."