There are one
or two things I should like you to get for me. You could pick them up at
some of the sales; they are all on now, and things are sold ridiculously
cheap. And, Eleanor, be sure and send me a full description of Lady
Wolfer's dresses. You might snip off a pattern, perhaps. And I shall
want to hear all about the people who go to the house, and the dinner
parties and entertainments. I should say that it is not at all unlikely
that Lady Wolfer may ask me to go and stay there. Of course, she will be
curious to know what I am like--have I mentioned that we have never
met?--and you will tell her that I--I--have been accustomed to the
society in which she moves; and you might say that you are sure the
change will do me good. Write often, and be sure and tell me about the
dresses."

"But I shall leave you all alone, mamma," said Eleanor. "Are you sure
you won't be lonely?"

Mrs. Lorton drew a long sigh, and assumed the air of a martyr.

"You know me too well to think that I should allow my selfish comfort to
stand in the way of your advancement, Eleanor. Of course, I shall miss
you. But do not think of that. Let us think only of your welfare. I
shall have Molly, and must be content."

Nell checked a sigh at the evident affectation of the profession. It was
not in Mrs. Lorton to miss any human being so long as her own small
comforts were assured.

"Then I think I will go at once--to-night," said Nell. "Why should I
not? They want me--some one--at once, and----"

"Certainly," assented Mrs. Lorton eagerly. "I should go at once. You
will write immediately, and tell me what the house is like, and the
dresses."

Nell went downstairs, feeling rather confused and bewildered by the
sudden change in her life. She was to have been Drake's wife; she was
now to be--what was it, companion, housekeeper?--to Lady Wolfer!

Dick met her at the bottom of the stairs.

"I can't find Drake," he said, of course, with an injured air. "They say
he left the cottage early this morning--they thought he was coming up
here, as usual; but he hasn't been, has he?"

Nell shook her head.

"See, Dick, I've some news for you," she said. "I am going to London."

She gave him the letter to read, and he read it, with a running
commentary of indignant and scoffing exclamations.

"Of all the pompous, stuck-up letters, it's the worst I ever imagined!
And you say you're going? Oh, but look here! What will Drake say?"

Nell turned away.

"