And in mentioning that name she showed not the smallest misgiving, not
a trace of uneasiness, while every time it was uttered it pricked the
shrinking sense of her companion. Mrs. Colwood had not watched and
listened during her Tallyn visit for nothing.
At last a clock struck down-stairs, and a door opened. Diana sprang up.
"Time to dress! And I've left Fanny alone all this while!"
She hurried toward the door; then turned back.
"Please!--I'm not going to tell Fanny just yet. Neither Fanny nor any
one--till Lady Lucy knows. What happened after we went away? Was
Fanny amused?"
"Very much, I should say."
"She made friends with Miss Drake?"
"They were inseparable, till Miss Drake departed."
Diana laughed.
"How odd! That I should never have prophesied. And Mr. Birch? I needn't
have him to lunch again, need I?"
"Miss Merton invited him to tea--on Saturday."
Diana reddened.
"Must I--!" she said, impetuously; then stopped herself, and opened the
door.
Outside, Fanny Merton was just mounting the stairs, a candle in her
hand. She stopped in astonishment at the sight of Diana.
"Diana! where have you been all this time?"
"Only talking to Muriel.
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