Summoned to the house-door, Virginia acquainted Miss Vesper with the state of affairs.
'I think you might see her for a few minutes.' 'I should like to, if you please, Miss Madden,' replied Mildred, who had a rather uneasy look.
She went upstairs and entered the bedroom, where a lamp was burning.

At the sight of her friend Monica showed much satisfaction; they kissed each other affectionately.
'Good old girl! I had made up my mind to come back tomorrow, or at all events the day after.

It's so frightfully dull here.

Oh, and I wanted to know if anything--any letter--had come for me.' 'That's just why I came to see you to-night.' Mildred took a letter from her pocket, and half averted her face as she handed it.
'It's nothing particular,' said Monica, putting it away under her pillow.

'Thank you, dear.' But her cheeks had become hot, and she trembled.
'Monica--' 'Well ?' 'You wouldn't care to tell me about--anything?
You don't think it would make your mind easier ?' For a minute Monica lay back, gazing at the wall, then she looked round quickly, with a shamefaced laugh.
'It's very silly of me not to have told you long before this.