“All right,” said the stooard, thrusting both hands into his trouser-pockets; “I’ll do my best.”
While these two were slowly wending their way through Kensington Gardens, Emma Gray arrived at the Captain’s villa—California Cottage, he called it—and rang the bell. The gate was opened by Netta White, who, although not much bigger than when first introduced to the reader, was incomparably more beautiful and smart. Mrs Stoutley had reason to be proud of her.
“I did not know that you were to be here, Netta?” said Emma, in surprise, as she entered.
“It was a very sudden call, Miss,” said Netta, with a smile. “Captain Wopper wrote a note to me, begging me to ask Mrs Stoutley to be so good as lend me to him for a day to help at his house-warming. Here is the letter, Miss.”
Emma laughed as she glanced carelessly at the epistle, but became suddenly grave, turned white, then red, and, snatching the letter from the girl’s hand, gazed at it intently.
“La! Miss, is anything wrong?”
“May I keep this?” asked Emma.
“Certainly, Miss, if you wish it.”
Before she could say anything more, they were interrupted by the entrance of Dr Lawrence. With a surprised look and smile he said—
“I have been invited to dine with our friend Captain Wopper, but did not anticipate the pleasure of meeting Miss Gray here.”