and you must look _very_ grateful when Mrs. Ellsworthy notices you,
loves. Oh, my poor dears! I feel over anxious, for so much depends on
to-morrow."

It was now Jasmine's turn to stare, and to begin to say--"I don't
understand you." But Daisy burst out volubly--

"We are going up to Shortlands to run about--she said so. She said we
were to see the dogs--the black woolly Newfoundland and the tawny
mastiff; and she has got a snow-white Persian kitten, only she likes
the Pink best; and I promised her that if ever the Pink had a little
kit of her own she should have it. Mrs. Ellsworthy didn't say a word
about being horrid, and proper, and waiting until you are spoken to. I
won't go to Shortlands if I have to behave like that, I won't,"
concluded spoiled Daisy, pouting her lips.

Jasmine bent forward and kissed her. "You may do just what you like,
darling little Eyebright," she said.

"Oh, Miss Martineau, really Mrs. Ellsworthy is not at all what you
picture her. I should say she was the kind of lady who likes a real
romp. Anyhow, she does not at all want people to be stiff with her.
Daisy, and she, and I were as jolly as possible until Primrose came
downstairs, and I suppose Primrose agreed with you, and thought it was
manners to be formal. But, poor dear, she did not like it a bit. We
three were having such a chatter before Primrose came. She is going to
show me all her conservatories to-morrow, and she took a great fancy
to my carnations. I promised her some slips. Oh dear! oh dear! who is
that knocking at the hall door? Daisy, run and peep from behind the
curtain, and let me know."