the
dead. She longed to read the letter, but she knew she could only do so
at some quiet moment. She must peruse those beloved words when she was
alone and quite sure of being undisturbed. She thought she might slip
away into a little glade at the back of the house that afternoon, and
there read her letter, and ponder over its contents.

Events, however, were to occur which would prevent Primrose carrying
out this scheme.

Immediately after dinner Miss Martineau's well-known knock was heard
at the hall-door, and Miss Martineau herself, bristling with
excitement and curiosity, invaded the girls in their drawing-room.

"Now, my dears, tell me all about her. Is she not fascinating? She is
greatly pleased with you three--you have made a most proper
impression; and you are to go to spend the day at Shortlands
to-morrow. Now, my loves, tell me what arrangements she has come to--I
am so _deeply_ interested, my poor darlings."

Miss Martineau, as she spoke, kept her eyes fixed on Primrose; but
that young lady only gave her a puzzled look, and, after a short
pause, said quietly--

"I don't understand you. 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. She said we
were to see the dogs--the black woolly Newfoundland and the tawny
mastiff; and she has got a snow-white Persian kitten, only sh