"My dear Mary! I am so glad to see you! We did not expect you until Monday. You are doubly welcome."
"I thought it would make no difference—my coming a few days earlier, and without warning you," said Lady Mary, as she kissed her elder sister. "I am not very strong, Grace, and Mr. Forth has been anxious that I should have a change. This morning was so warm and fine, and I felt so languid, that he said to me, 'Why not start today?' So he and my husband packed me off, whether I would or no. Where's mamma?"
"Mamma is out somewhere. Gone to see the pictures, I think," added Grace, as Lady Mary turned, of her own accord, into a small, cosy sitting-room that used to belong to the girls, and which they had nicknamed "The Hut." "Harriet is with her."
Lady Mary looked surprised. "Harriet! Are the MacIvors here?"
"Oh dear, yes; staying with us. They came up from Scotland on Monday."
"I am rather sorry I came, then. It may be an inconvenience. And there won't be a bit of quiet in the house."
"It will be no inconvenience at all, Mary—what are you thinking of? You are to have your old room, and the baby the room next it. As to the house, it shall be as quiet as you please. I assure you it is wonderfully changed, in that respect, since all you girls were at home together."
"That time seems ages ago," remarked Lady Mary.
"What light-headed, frivolous girls we were—and how life's cares change us! Fancy our all marrying and leaving you behind!"
"There's Frances also."