'We complained, as
the appointed hour is eight, but we were told 'all the other ladies
were satisfied.' I do believe they think no one not in business has a
right to wish for letters before nine.'
'Here it comes, though,' said Gillian; and in due time the locked
letter-bag was delivered to Lady Merrifield, and Primrose waited
eagerly to act as postman.
It was not the day for the Indian mail, but Aunt Jane expected some
last directions, and Lady Merrifield the final intelligence as to the
numbers of each contingent of girls. Dolores was on the qui vive for a
letter from Maude Sefton, and devoured her aunt and the bag with her
eyes. She was quite sure that among the bundle of post-cards that were
taken out there was a letter. Also she saw her aunt give a little
start, and put it aside, and when she demanded. 'Is there no letter
for me?' Lady Merrifield's answer was,' None, my dear, from Miss
Sefton.'
Hot indignation glowed in Dolores's cheeks and eyes, more especially as
she perceived a look pass between the two aunts. She sat swelling
while talk about the chances of rain was passing round her, the
forecasts in the paper, the cats washing their faces, the swallows
flying low, the upshot being that it might be fine, but that
emergencies were to be prepared for. All the time that Lady Merrifield
was giving orders to children and servants for the preparations,
Dolores kept her station, and the instant there was a vacant moment,
she said fiercely--
'Aunt Lilias, I know there is a letter for me.
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