Hazel paused.
'Don't be curious,' she said. 'Once when a little mouse jumped out of a dish, nobody could ever get it back again!'
'It would be a great pleasure, to Prim. I think we could bear it for a week, even with Mrs. Coles? Hey?'
'I dare say you can.And if I cannot, you will never know,' said
Wych Hazel with a laugh. 'So the way is clear.'
'I know Prudentia wants to consult a physician here. So I will write at once to Primand you will give Mrs. Bywank her orders about the care of Heinert? And tell her, Wych, that Arthur will be at Chickaree a good deal also, till we come home.'
Hazel wrought her fingers into a knot of peculiar ingenuity, at thought of Mrs. Coles, but other remark made none.
A few days more brought the dreaded invasion. The ladies came of course; and as it fell out, Hazel had to receive them alone, Dane being down town at his business; for Prim and her sister arrived at midday, having found it good to spend a night on the road. The state of jocund delight in which they were, might go far to justify Rollo in having given the invitation; Prim was beaming, and Mrs. Coles proudly exultant. To be received into such an establishment; to be at home there; and without a cent of expense! Visions of pleasure filled the mind of both sisters; but very unlike; for while Prudentia dreamed of visits and shops, Prim thought of sitting beside Dane again, and at his own fireside.
The luncheon which Hazel dispensed to them, could not fail in such a mood to be greatly enjoyed; and talk flowed freely. Prudentia, being a guest, felt herself on vantage ground and a good deal more unrestrained than usual. She was in a patronising mood generally. But Prim was grateful.
'It seems almost like Chickaree, Hazel,' said the latter, 'to see you sitting there. And have you all these rooms to yourself? How delightful! What beautiful rooms!'
'But so high up!' her sister remarked. 'I am surprised that Dane did not get you rooms on the first floor, Hazel?'