"My dear mother, you are the best judge," observed Mr. Chandos. "I should not change the room if I could possibly avoid it; the young lady might consider it in the light of an indignity. Emily introduced her in a slighting sort of manner; but her looks are refined, her manners those of a gentlewoman."
"Yes, that's true."
"How long does Emily think of remaining?"
"She says two weeks. But she is uncertain as the wind. How could she think of bringing a stranger?"
"Have you told her all?—why it is just now particularly undesirable?"
"No. She never has been told. And I hope and trust she may be gone again before—before trouble comes."
"Quite right; I should not tell her. Well, mother, as you ask my opinion, I say things had better remain as arranged; let the young lady occupy the blue room. How cross Hill looked over it!"
"Not without cause. I cannot think how Emily can have been so senseless. It is just as if she had planned the annoyance—bringing her here without writing! Had she written, I should have forbidden it."
"Let us hope that nothing will happen."
"Harry, we cannot answer for it. Again, on Ethel's account a stranger in the house is not desirable. Emily might have thought of that."