All you will regret is, that she comes to terminate my visit, and take me away with her.

If you can forgive that offence, you will have nothing else to pardon." Lady Vargrave replied with her usual simple kindness; but she was evidently nervous at the visit of a stranger (for she had never yet seen Mrs.Merton), and still more distressed at the thought of losing Mrs.
Leslie a week or two sooner than had been anticipated.

However, Mrs.Leslie hastened to reassure her.

Mrs.Merton was so quiet and good-natured, the wife of a country clergyman with simple tastes; and after all, Mrs.Leslie's visit might last as long, if Lady Vargrave would be contented to extend her hospitality to Mrs.Merton and Caroline.
When the visit was announced to Evelyn, her young heart was susceptible only of pleasure and curiosity.

She had no friend of her own age; she was sure she should like the grandchild of her dear Mrs.Leslie.
Evelyn, who had learned betimes, from the affectionate solicitude of her nature, to relieve her mother of such few domestic cares as a home so quiet, with an establishment so regular, could afford, gayly busied herself in a thousand little preparations.