Most people of Lady Pell’s position and standing in society would have seen in the sisters only a couple of impoverished old maids whose good opinion could be of no possible consequence to anybody. But her ladyship had a way of looking at people and things from other than a mere surface and conventional point of view. From the first the sisters attracted her, and she made up her mind then and there that she would see more of them. Speaking of them next day to her hostess at Foljambe Court she said: “They are a couple of gems—that is the only word I can think of which conveys my impression of them—and I shall feel proud to be reckoned among the number of their friends.”
Lady Pell’s first words to Miss Matilda after the return of herself and Ethel from their inspection of Vale View, were: “Well, Miss Thursby, your niece and I have done what I call a very fair afternoon’s work, and if she is not tired, I must confess that I am. We have been into every nook and corner of the house—upstairs, downstairs, and in my lady’s chamber—and a pretty tramp we found it—that is to say, I did, for I am by no means so active as I once was. Then we extended our survey to the offices and outhouses, the coach-house and stable and, lastly, to the grounds. Now, as I am one of those people who dislike to lock up their opinions, especially when, as in the present instance, the opinion happens to be a favourable one, I will at once admit that I am greatly pleased with the house and its surroundings. It seems to me the very place to suit my stepdaughter. I will write her by to-night’s post, asking her to run down and look over it for herself, so that you may shortly expect to see me here again.”
This was good news for the sisters. The letting of Vale View meant a very desirable addition to their limited means.
Following upon this, as already recounted, came afternoon tea, over which her ladyship kept them all alive by her vivacious and somewhat quizzical account of her presentation at court, and of sundry other experiences during the term of her late husband’s year of office as Lord Mayor.
Her last words to Ethel before going were: “Take notice, my dear, that I shall call for you at three o’clock to-morrow to take you for a drive. You are looking a little bit peaky, and a long country drive will do you good.”
“What excellent company her ladyship is!” said Miss Matilda to her sister as they stood and watched the brougham drive away.
“I cannot remember when I laughed so much in so short a time as I have this afternoon.”
“And she is so good-natured with it all. Besides, it is quite evident that she is as quick to see and quiz her own little peculiarities as she is those of others.”
“I wonder whether she will quiz you and me to her friends, when she gets back to Foljambe Court.”
“I think it very likely,” responded Miss Matilda drily. “But that she will not do it ill-naturedly we may be sure.”