cutely--every prance of the
horses, every word Lady Markland said. It seemed a long time before,
through the many passages of the old-fashioned house, the visitor
appeared. She made a slight pause on the threshold, apparently waiting
for an invitation, for a special reception. Mrs. Warrender, with her
heart beating, had risen, and stood with her hands clasped in tremulous
expectation. They looked at each other for a moment across the parlour
maid, who did not know how to get out of the room from between the two
ladies, neither of whom advanced towards the other. Then Mrs. Warrender
went hurriedly forward with extended hands.

"Theo told me you were coming. I am very glad to see you." They took
each other's hands, and Mrs. Warrender bent forward to give the kiss
of welcome. They were two equal powers, meeting on debatable ground,
fulfilling all the necessary courtesies. Not like this should Theo's
mother have met his wife. It should have been a young creature whom she
could have taken into her arms, who would have flung herself upon the
breast of his mother, or at her knees, like a child of her own. Instead
of this, they were two equal powers, if, indeed, Lady Markland were not
the principal, the one to give and not receive. Mrs. Warrender felt
herself almost younger, less imposing altogether than the new member
of the family, to whom it should have been her part to extend a tender
patronage, to draw close to her, and set at her ease. Things were better
when this difficult first moment was over. It was suitable and natural
that Lady Markland should give to Chatty that kiss of peace--and then
they all seated themselves in a little circle. "You have just arrived,"
Lady Markland said.

"Yesterday. We have scarcely settled down."

"And you enjoyed your stay in town? Chatty at least --Chatty must have
enjoyed it." Lady Markland turned to her with a soft smile.

"Oh yes, very much," said Chatty, almost under her breath.

And then there was a brief pause, after which, "I hope Geoff is quite
well," Mrs. Warrender said.

"Quite well, and I was to bring you his love." Lady Markland hesitated
a little, and said, "I should like if I might--to consult you about
Geoff."

"Surely," Mrs. Warrender replied, and again there was a pause.

In former times, Chatty would not have perceived the embarrassment of
her two companions: but she had learned to divine since her three weeks'
experience. She rose up quietly. "I think, mamma, yo