"When that woman takes a dislike," she thought to herself, "it sticks!
She has taken a dislike to the Mallory girl. Well, if Oliver wants her,
let him fight for her. I hope she won't drop into his mouth! Mallory!
Mallory! I wonder where she comes from, and who her people are."
* * * * *
Meanwhile Diana was sitting among her letters, which mainly concerned
the last details of the Beechcote furnishing. She and Mrs. Colwood were
now "Muriel" and "Diana" to each other, and Mrs. Colwood had been
admitted to a practical share in Diana's small anxieties.
Suddenly Diana, who had just opened a hitherto unread letter, exclaimed:
"Oh, but _how_ delightful!"
Mrs. Colwood looked up; Diana's aspect was one of sparkling pleasure and
surprise.
"One of my Barbadoes' cousins is here--in London--actually in
London--and I knew nothing of her coming. She writes to me.--Of course
she must come to Beechcote--she must come at once!"
She sprang up, and went to a writing-table near, to look for a telegraph
form. She wrote a message with eagerness, despatched it, and then
explained as coherently as her evident emotion and excitement
would allow.
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