Part 48 (1/2)
She returned to the house. No one saw her as she slipped in by the back entrance. She ran up to her room, smoothed her hair, and went down to the drawing-room. Lady Frances and Audrey were alone in the big room.
They had been talking together, but instantly became silent when Evelyn entered.
”They have been abusing me, of course,” thought the little girl; and she flashed an angry glance first at one and then at the other.
”Evelyn,” said her aunt, ”have you finished learning your lessons? You know how extremely particular Miss Henderson is that school tasks should be perfectly prepared.”
”My lessons are all right, thank you,” replied Evelyn in her brusquest voice. She flung herself into a chair and crossed her legs.
”Uncross your legs, my dear; that is a very unlady-like thing to do.”
Evelyn muttered something, but did what her aunt told her.
”Do not lean back so much, Evelyn; it is not good style. Do not poke out your chin, either; observe how Audrey sits.”
”I don't want to observe how Audrey sits,” said Evelyn.
Lady Frances colored. She was about to speak, but a glance from her daughter restrained her. Just then Read came into the room. Between Read and Evelyn there was already a silent feud. Read now glanced at the young lady, tossed her head a trifle, and went up to Lady Frances.
”I am very sorry to trouble you, madam,” she said, ”but if I may see you quite by yourself for a few moments I shall be very much obliged.”
”Certainly, Read; go into my boudoir and I will join you there,” said her mistress. ”I know,” added Lady Frances graciously, ”that you would not disturb me if you had not something important to say.”
”No, madam; I should be very sorry to do so.”
Lady Frances and Read now left the room, and Audrey and Evelyn were alone. Audrey uttered a sigh.
”What is the matter, Audrey?” asked her cousin.
”I am thinking of the day after to-morrow,” answered Audrey. ”The unhappy girl who has kept her secret all this time will be openly denounced. It will be terribly exciting.”
”You do not pretend that you pity her!” said Evelyn in a voice of scorn.
”Indeed I do pity her.”
”What nonsense! That is not at all your way.”
”Why should you say that? It is my way. I pity all people who have done wrong most terribly.”
”Then have you ever pitied me since I came to England?”
”Oh yes, Evelyn-oh, indeed I have!”
”Please keep your pity to yourself; I don't want it.”
Audrey relapsed into silence.
By and by Lady Frances came back; she was still accompanied by Read.
”What does a servant want in this room?” said Evelyn in her most disagreeable voice.
”Evelyn, come here,” said her aunt; ”I have something to say to you.”