room in question was at the right hand side of a very wide and
cheerful hall, which was decorated in pale tints of green, and had a
handsome encaustic-tiled floor. A blazing fire and two lamps made the
hall look cheerful, but Hester was very glad to take refuge from the
unknown voices in the porter's small room. She found herself quite
trembling with shyness and cold, and an indescribable longing to get back
to Nan; and as she waited for Miss Danesbury and wondered fearfully who
or what Miss Danesbury was, she scarcely derived any comfort from the
blazing fire near which she stood.

"Rather tall for her age, but I fear, I greatly fear, a little sulky,"
said a voice behind her; and when she turned round in an agony of
trepidation and terror, she suddenly found herself face to face with a
tall, kind-looking, middle-aged lady, and also with a bright,
gypsy-looking girl.

"Annie Forest, how very naughty of you to hide behind the door! You are
guilty of disobedience in coming into this room without leave. I must
report you, my dear; yes, I really must. You lose two good conduct marks
for this, and will probably have thirty lines in addition to your usual
quantity of French poetry."

"But she won't tell on me, she won't, dear old Danesbury," said the girl;
"she couldn't be so hard-hearted, the precious love, particularly as
curiosity happens to be one of her own special little virtues! Take a
kiss, Danesbury, and now, as you love me you'll be merciful!" The girl
flitted away, and Miss Danesbury turned to Hester, whose face had changed
from red to pale during this little scene.

"What a horrid, vulgar, low-bred girl!" she exclaimed with passion, for
in all the experiences of her short life Hester had never even imagined
that personal remarks could be made of any one in their very presence. "I
hope she'll get a lot of punishment--I hope you are not going to forgive
her," she continued, for her anger had for the time quite overcome her
shyness.

"Oh, my dear, my dear! we should all be forgiving," exclaimed Miss
Danesbury in her gentle voice. "Welcome to Lavender House, love; I am
sorry I was not in the hall to receive you. Had I been, this little
_rencontre_ would not have occurred. Annie Forest meant no harm,
however--she's a wild little sprite, but affectionate. You and she will
be the best friends possible by-and-by. Now, let me take you to your
room; the gong for tea will sound in exactly five minutes, and I am sure
y