Immediately after dinner Miss Martineau's well-known knock was heard
at the hall-door, and Miss Martineau herself, bristling with
excitement and curiosity, invaded the girls in their drawing-room.

"Now, my dears, tell me all about her. Is she not fascinating? She is
greatly pleased with you three--you have made a most proper
impression; and you are to go to spend the day at Shortlands
to-morrow. Now, my loves, tell me what arrangements she has come to--I
am so _deeply_ interested, my poor darlings."

Miss Martineau, as she spoke, kept her eyes fixed on Primrose; but
that young lady only gave her a puzzled look, and, after a short
pause, said quietly--

"I don't understand you. We have made no special arrangements. Mrs.
Ellsworthy was friendly, and she asked us to come and see her at
Shortlands; and we are going. Miss Martineau, I am so very busy this
afternoon; will you forgive me if I run away?"

Primrose left the room, and Miss Martineau, turning to Jasmine,
clasped her hands in some excitement.

"Oh, my dear!" she exclaimed, "I do hope Primrose won't spoil
everything by those little proud airs of hers; they really are--yes, I
am grieved to be obliged to say it--but they really are affected. Now,
Jasmine darling, a great deal depends on this visit--yes, a great
deal. You and Daisy must be on your very best behavior. You have never
been in a great house like Shortlands, and it is only right that I,
your instructress, should tell you how you are to behave. You must
take no liberties, dear; and you must not speak too much, or too fast;