Although Mrs. Derison had lived in Ashdown for several years she had but few acquaintances and no intimates, consequently the virtue of hospitality was one which she was rarely called upon to exercise. Now and then one or two lady visitors of her own age would call and would be invited to stay for tea, but that was all; while it was only on rare occasions that she visited anywhere herself. Frank had, therefore, every reason for feeling surprised when his mother said to him one evening:
"I want you to give up your bedroom for a few weeks, and change into the back room. We are about to have a visitor."
"Good gracious! mother. It must be somebody important, or you would not want me to budge."
"It is your half-cousin, Mildred Dixon. I have invited her to stay for a month, and she has agreed to do so."
"Wonders will never cease," said the mystified Frank.
"You have not forgotten her I hope."
"Not a bit of it, though it must be seven or eight years since I saw her last. But what is your object in inviting her, if I may make so bold as to ask?"
"My object is that you should make love to her, propose to her, and by-and-bye make her your wife."
Frank stared aghast at his mother. "Have you taken leave of your senses, madre mia?" he asked, after a pause.
"I have no reason to think so, my son."