Moreover, Miriam's companionship would be desirable; for although Miss Bannister did not expect to lack acquaintances, there would be times when she could not call upon these, and Miriam could always be called upon.
After a consultation with Mrs.Bannister, who was pleased with the idea of having some one to go about with Dora, when she did not feel like it,--which was almost all the time,--Dora wrote to Miriam, asking her to come and visit her during the rest of her stay at Barport.

While writing, Dora was not at all annoyed by the thought which made her stop for a few minutes and look out of the window,--that possibly Miriam might not like to make the journey alone, and that her brother might come with her.

She did not, however, mention this contingency, but smiled as she went on writing.
Miriam, attired in her teaberry gown, came up from the Cobhurst kitchen, and walked out toward the garden.

She was not in good spirits.

She had already found that La Fleur was a woman superior to influences from any power derived from the wearing of Judith Pacewalk's pink chintz dress.
She was convinced that at this moment that eminent cook was preparing a dinner for the benefit of the Dranes, without any thought of the tastes or desires of the mistress of the house or its master.