I do not know why I have got it into my head that she would not like Gladys or me to come here without her, but it is there all the same,--the idea, I mean; it was something she said the other night to Mrs.Maberley that gave me this impression.

Mrs.Maberley wanted to call on you, because she said you were Mr.Cunliffe's niece, and people ought to take notice of you.

And Etta said, "Oh dear, yes; and it was a very kind thought on Mrs.
Maberley's part, and Mr.Cunliffe would think it so.

That was why Giles had invited you to Gladwyn.

But there was no hurry, and you evidently were not prepared to enter into society.