They stood an instant to see whose it was, and then hurried
forward to welcome their visitors.
"This is very kind, Mr. Cecil, very kind, Miss Mary; but you always are
kind in remembering old friends," said the elder, Miss Juliana, and then
was silent, gazing at Bessie.
"This is Miss Fairfax," said Mr. Cecil Burleigh. "Lady Latimer has no
doubt named her in her letters."
"Ah! yes, yes--what am I dreaming about? Charlotte," turning to her
sister, "who is she like?"
"She is like poor Dorothy," was the answer in a tremulous, solemn voice.
"What will Oliver say?"
"How long is it since Lady Latimer saw you, my dear?" asked Miss
Juliana.
"Three years. I have not been home to the Forest since I left it to go
to school in France."
"Ah! Then that accounts for our sister not having mentioned to us your
wonderful resemblance to your great-aunt, Dorothy Fairfax. Three years
alter and refine a child's chubby face into a young woman's face."
Miss Juliana seemed to be thrown into irretrievable confusion by
Bessie's apparition and her own memory. She was quite silent as she led
the way to the house, walking between Mr. Cecil Burleigh and his sister.
Miss Charlotte walked behind with Bessie, and remarked that she was
pleased to have a link of acquaintance with her already by means of Lady
Latimer. Bessie asked whether Lady Latimer was likely soon to come into
Woldshire.
"We have not heard that she has any present intention of visiting us.
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