She invited me for my singing and playing, you know: and as we all have to make ourselves agreeable, I came to see her.

On the day before Christmas she received a letter by the early post which seemed to upset her a great deal, and told me she would have to run up to town on business.

She did, and stayed all night, and came down next morning to keep Christmas.

I thought it _very_ strange." "What was her business in town, Miss Tyler ?" asked Lucian.
"Oh, she didn't tell _me_," said Bella, tossing her head, "at least not directly, but I gathered from what she said that something was wrong with poor dear Mr.Clyne--her father, you know, dearest Di." "Was the letter from him ?" "Oh, I couldn't say that, Mr.Denzil, as I don't know, and I never speak by hearsay.

So much mischief is done in the world by people repeating idle tales of which they are not sure." "Was Count Ferruci at Berwin Manor at the time ?" "Oh, dear me, no, Di! I told you that he was up in London the whole of Christmas week.