“I am not so sure of that,” muttered Captain Danvers.
“What put it into your head to ask her, dear aunt?” said Emmeline.
“A conversation I had with Scrope. He extolled her so much, that I longed to see her.”
“I wish he had held his tongue,” mentally ejaculated the captain.
Just then Higgins and a footman brought in breakfast, and an end was put to the conversation.
Later on, when she had an opportunity of saying a word to Lady Thicknesse privately, Emmeline observed:
“I think, aunt, you'll regret asking Mrs. Calverley. Though very handsome, very clever, and very agreeable, she's extremely mischievous. Everybody has been trying to get out of her way, and now we shall have her in our midst again. I shall be very much surprised if she doesn't cause some unpleasantness.”
“Don't be afraid of that, my dear,” said Lady Thicknesse, laughing. “I expect she'll be very useful.”
“Useful in what way, aunt?”
“I can't explain, but such is my opinion.”