"
"It shall be done immediately," said Lady Janet. "What surprises
_me_ Julian (ring the bell, if you please), is that you should
describe yourself in your letter as feeling an interest in this
person."
Julian answered--without ringing the bell.
"I am more interested than ever," he said, "now I find that Miss
Roseberry herself is your guest at Mablethorpe House."
'You were always perverse, Julian, as a child, in your likings
and dislikings," Lady Janet rejoined. "Why don't you ring the
bell?"
"For one good reason, my dear aunt. I don't wish to hear you tell
your servants to close the door on this friendless creature."
Lady Janet cast a look at her nephew which plainly expressed that
she thought he had taken a liberty with her.
"You don't expect me to see the woman?" she asked, in a tone of
cold surprise.
"I hope you will not refuse to see her," Julian answered,
quietly. "I was out when she called. I must hear what she has to
say--and I should infinitely prefer hearing it in your presence.
When I got your reply to my letter, permitting me to present her
to you, I wrote to her immediately, appointing a meeting here."
Lady Janet lifted her bright black eyes in mute expostulation to
the carved Cupids and wreaths on the dining-room ceiling.
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