"We will go to my room," said Ivy, regarding her nervously.
"Thank you," was the reply, "I mustn't stay longer to-day."
"Oh, why not? But indeed you must come for a moment; I have
something to show you"
Serena took leave of the gentlemen, and with show of reluctance
suffered herself to be led to the familiar retreat.
"I'm afraid I have displeased you," Ivy addressed her, when the door
was closed. "I ought to have asked your permission."
"It doesn't matter, dear--not a bit. But I wasn't quite in the
humour for--for that kind of thing. I came here for quietness, as
I always do."
"Do forgive me! I thought--to tell the truth, it was my uncle--I
had spoken of you to him, and he said he should so much like to meet
you."
"It really doesn't matter; but I look rather like the woman who
comes to buy old dresses, don't I?"
Ivy laughed.
"Of course not!"
"And what if I do?" exclaimed the other, seating herself by the
fire. "I don't know that I've any claim to look better than Mrs.
Moss. I suppose she and I are about on a level in understanding and
education, if the truth were told. Your uncle would see that, of
course."
"Now, don't--don't!" pleaded Ivy, bending over the chair and
stroking her friend's shoulder. "It's so wrong of you, dear. My
father and Uncle Eustace are both quite capable of judging you
rightly.
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