“Never mind, dear⁠—you look very sweet. But do be quick!” Miss Betty suffered herself to be led to the door.

“ ’Tis all very fine for you, my love, with a new gown fresh on today! Will you just take a look at my petticoat, though?”

“Nonsense, you are beautiful! Come!”

Together they descended the stairs, and went into the drawing-room.

A dainty, very diminutive little lady arose from a chair at their entry, and came forward with outstretched hands, and such a fascinating smile that Miss Betty’s ill-humour vanished, and she responded to her visitor’s deep curtsy with one of her best jerky dips.

“I am vastly delighted to welcome you, madam,” she said primly. “ ’Tis good in you to come this long way to see us.”