"Ah! you are just as fond of Bertie as I am," she said, as her husband drew her to his side.
But even as she spoke she became conscious of a shadow between her and the light which streamed in through the large bay window of the dining-room; while Vavasour rose and held out his hand saying apologetically, "We did not hear the carriage drive up."
"No, I could hardly expect you would, with so much to interest you within doors."
Amy arose quickly as the voice struck her ear.
"Frances! Miss Strickland!" she said.
"Yes, the same. You look surprised. Did you not expect me?"
"No," replied Amy, shortly.
"It is quite an unexpected pleasure, and has surprised us both," returned Robert, as he noticed his wife's unusual manner.
"It is my fault. I told Isabella not to mention I was coming," returned she. "Perhaps I wanted to see if you would be pleased, or recognise me; every one says I am so very much altered."
"I see no difference," replied Amy, as Frances glanced straight at her.