Thank goodness every one is going to see the procession, or the decorations, or the illuminations, and all the rest of the nonsense,' Jessica replied.

'I shall have a good long day of work; except that I've promised to go in the afternoon, and have tea with the little girls at Champion Hill.

I wish you'd come too; they'd be delighted to see you, and there'll be nobody except the governess.' Nancy looked up in doubt.
'Are you sure?
Won't the dowager be at home ?' 'She hasn't left her room for three weeks.' They exchanged a look of some special significance.
'Then I suppose,' said Nancy, with a peculiar smile, 'that's why Mr Tarrant has been calling ?' 'Has he?
How do you know ?' Again they looked at each other, and Nancy laughed.
'I have happened to meet him twice, the last few days.' She spoke in an off-hand way.

'The first time, it was just at the top of the lane; he was coming away.

The second time, I was walking along Champion Hill, and he came up behind me, going to the house.' 'Did he talk ?' Nancy gave a nod.
'Yes, both times.