“Yes; I know her slightly, and am persuaded I shall like her much when I know her better.”
“Then you will go?”
“Certainly, since you wish me to accompany you. I confess I don't feel happy here just now. It will be an escape.”
“Mrs. Calverley won't object, I suppose?”
“On the contrary,” replied Mildred, with a singular smile. “I think she will be glad to get rid of me for a time.”
“I'm sure there will be no difficulty on mamma's part,” observed Emmeline. “Why, here is a note from her that I have not read! As I expected!” she cried. “She urges me to accept the invitation, and hopes you will accompany me. Let us go downstairs, and settle the matter at once.”
They found Mrs. Calverley seated with Captain Danvers in the drawing-room, engaged in a very interesting tête-à-tête, and the discovery increased Mildred's desire to be gone.
The captain rose, and bowed to her, and she made him a very freezing salute in return. It appeared that he had brought the letters from Brackley, and, having heard of the invitation from Lady Barfleur, had mentioned it to Mrs. Calverley, so that she was fully prepared.
“I know what you are come to tell me,” she said. “Captain Danvers has already informed me of Lady Thicknesse's invitation, and I sincerely hope you intend to accept it.”
“Since the plan is agreeable to you, we shall do so,” replied Emmeline.