“Oh, yes, of course.” But Miss Sefton’s tone was enigmatical, and she somewhat hastily changed the subject by saying, plaintively, “Oh, dear, do please tell me, Miss Lambert, what you think I ought to do when we reach Cliffe, if we ever do reach it. Shall I telegraph to my friends in London, and go to a hotel? Perhaps you could recommend me one, or——”
“No; you shall come home with me,” returned Bessie, moved to this sudden inspiration by the weary look in Miss Sefton’s face. “We are not strangers; my father and your mother were friends; that is sufficient introduction. Mother is the kindest woman in the world—every one says so. We are not rich people, but we can make you comfortable. To be sure, there is not a spare room; our house is not large, and there are so many of us; but you shall have my room, and I will have half of Chrissy’s bed. You are too young”—and here Bessie was going to add “too pretty,” only she checked herself——“to go alone to a hotel. Mother would be dreadfully shocked at the idea.”
“You are very kind—too kind; but your people might object,” hesitated Miss Sefton.
“Mother never objects to anything we do; at least, I might turn it the other way about, and say we never propose anything to which she is likely to object. When my mother knows all about it, she will give you a hearty welcome.”
“If you are quite sure of that, I will accept your invitation thankfully, for I am tired to death. You are goodness itself to me, but I shall not like turning you out of your room.”
“Nonsense. Chriss and I will think it a bit of fun—oh, you don’t know us yet. So little happens in our lives that your coming will be quite an event; so that is settled.” And Bessie extended a plump little hand in token of her good will, which Miss Sefton cordially grasped.
CHAPTER II.
“HERE IS OUR BESSIE.”
An interruption occurred at this moment. The friendly guard made his appearance again, accompanied by the same white-haired old clergyman whom Bessie had noticed. He came to offer his services to the young ladies. He cheered Miss Sefton’s drooping spirits by reiterating the guard’s assurance that they need only fear the inconvenience of another hour’s delay.