awing-room, Darsie composed her
face into a "prunes and prism" decorum, and slipped noiselessly into the
room.

To a certain extent all was as she had expected. Mason stood
majestically over the tea-table; James, his satellite, approached with a
tray of cakes and sandwiches; Aunt Maria sat waiting in her high-backed
chair--so far all was just as she had planned; what she was all
unprepared for, however, was the presence of three youthful visitors,
two girls and a youth, who sat facing the door, staring at her in
stunned dismay.

The Percivals! By all that was ill-timed and embarrassing, the
Percivals themselves, returned from their visit, choosing a wet
afternoon to drive over and pay their respects to Lady Hayes's young
guest! Sheer horror of the situation took away Darsie's breath; she
stood stock still in the middle of the floor, felt her lips gape apart,
the crimson rush to her face, saw in a mental flash a vision of the
country bumpkin she must appear--just for a moment, then Aunt Maria's
voice said, in even, equable tones--

"Ah, here she is! Darsie, these are my young friends of whom I have
spoken. I am pleased that you should become acquainted. My niece,
Darsie Garnett. Noreen, Ida, and Ralph Percival... Now we will have
tea!"

The voice, the manner, were absolutely normal. Was it possible that she
had not _seen_? Darsie shot a quick glance at the old lady's face, met
an unconcerned smile, and for the first time in the history of their
acquaintance felt a thrill of admiration. Splendid to have such self-
control, to show _no_ sign of surprise or irritation! She shook hands
awkwardly with the three visitors, and sat down on the nearest chair.

"So awfully pleased to meet you!" cried Noreen gushingly. She was a
smart-looking girl of sixteen, with brown eyes and a deeply dimpled
chin. Darsie knew exactly what she was thinking--understood that the
gushing manner had been adopted to disguise dismayed disappointment in
the aspect of a possible companion. Ralph was quite old--eighteen at
least, with well-cut features, thin lips, and small grey eyes, a dandy
wearing a fancy waistcoat and resplendent white spats. His whole aspect
breathed a loud, "I told you so! You _would_ drag me with you. _Told_
you how it would be. Lady Hayes's grand-niece! What could you expect?"
Ida was bubbling over with curiosity. What a fine story she would have
to tell to the family party on her return!

Conversatio