Lionel' was here, in Mrs. Tarrant's drawing-room. The second piece of
news vexed Nancy; she resolved never to come again, unless on formal
invitation.

Mrs. Baker, an agreeable woman, received them as if she were the
mistress of the house. With Jessica she chatted about matters
examinational, which she seemed thoroughly to understand; with Miss
Lord she talked of wider subjects, in a tone not unpleasing to
Nancy, seeing that it presumed, on her part, some knowledge of the
polite world. It was observable that Mr. Vawdrey's daughters had
benefited by the superintendence of this lady; they no longer
gossiped loudly about murders and scandals, but demeaned themselves
more as became their years.

On the arrival of other ladies to call upon Mrs. Baker, the children
drew their friends away into the garden, where tea now awaited them.
Amid the trees and flowers time passed not unpleasantly, until, on
happening to turn her head, Nancy perceived at a distance the
approaching figure of Mr. Lionel Tarrant. He sauntered over the grass
with easy, indolent step; his straw hat and light lounge costume
(excellent tailoring) suited the season and the place. Jessica, who
regarded the young man with something of awe, stood up to shake
hands, but Miss. Lord kept her place in the garden chair.

'Did you see the procession?' Tarrant inquired. 'Ah, then I can give
you very important news--thrilling news. I know the colour of the
Queen's bonnet, and of her parasol.'

'Please don't keep us in suspense,' said Nancy.