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;
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.
Pages:
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57