She was fortunate in finding
Mrs. Ellsworthy at home, and also disengaged.
The good little lady received her with delight, for Miss Egerton was a
prime favorite with her.
"Arthur tells me that you know my girls," she said presently. "He
hints to me that you and he have a secret knowledge of the address of
my naughty, troublesome girls."
"I do know where they are to be found," said Miss Egerton in her
gravest tones; "but before I begin to talk about them I want to
transact a little business with you. I know how kind you are, and how
fond of helping people in distress. At the present moment a lady of my
acquaintance is in great poverty; she has got some valuable Spanish
lace. I should like to sell it for her."
"I adore Spanish lace," said Mrs. Ellsworthy, her eyes sparkling.
"I thought I once heard you say you did, so I have brought it with me.
May I show it to you?"
"How good of you, dear Miss Egerton; let me see it at once. Real
Spanish lace is of great value. Oh, and white, too! What lovely
flounces!"
"The lady to whom they belonged know nothing of their real value; she
was disposing of both shawl and flounces yesterday evening for ten
shillings.
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