"And also to see you," thought Ella.
"What do you think of Mr. Chesney?" asked Eve when Alan left.
"He's a very good-looking man and I should think extremely agreeable and excellent company. Is he an old friend?" said Ella.
"We have known each other since we were children."
"My goodness, how jolly! And I suppose you are quite chums still," exclaimed Ella.
Eve laughed as she replied:
"We are staunch friends. His estate joins my little place where you are coming to stay with me," said Eve.
"I shall have opportunities of meeting him," thought Ella. "You must see him often?" she said aloud.
"Oh, yes; sometimes two or three times a week. He calls when he likes and I am always at home to him."
"It must be ripping to have a man friend like that; no silly sentiment, no love business about it; but he would be blind if he did not admire you, Eve," she said.