I can see it is going to be a long story, and it will be delightful out there; and then papa can smoke his after-breakfast cigar." "Very well, Mabel; if your mamma has no objection, I am quite willing." The chairs were taken out into the shade of the tree and the party sat down, Mabel all excitement, for as yet she knew nothing whatever of what had happened, and was puzzling herself in vain as to how Mrs.
Conway could have been working in her interest.
"In the first place, Mabel," Mrs.Conway began, "I suppose you have no idea why you were sent away to Bath ?" Mabel opened her eyes in surprise.
"I thought I went there to get lessons in music and French and dancing." "Well, you did go for that purpose, but for something else also.

You were sent away in order that you might not see me." "Not see you, Mrs.Conway! Why, you must be joking.

Why, papa, what reason could there possibly be why I should not see Mrs.Conway?
And beside, you never told me in your letter that she had been here." "I have not been here--at least not in this house; but I was in the church every Sunday.

I was there before you went away, although you did not see me.

I was sitting in the pew with the Hall servants." "With the Hall servants!" Mabel repeated in astonishment.