But Miss Hacket would go on all
tea-time, explaining and explaining for me to tell you how dear Connie
is so affectionate and so easily led, and how Dolores came over her
with persuasions, and deceived her. I declare I never liked Dolly so
well before. At any rate, she doesn't make professions, and not a bit
more fuss than she can help. And there was Miss Hacket getting brandy
cherries and strong coffee, and I don't know what all, because dear
Connie was so overcome, and dear Lady Merrifield was quite under a
mistake, and so deceived by Dolores. I told Miss Hacket you were never
under a mistake nor deceived.'
'You didn't, Gillian!'
'Yes, I did, and the stupid woman only wanted to kiss me (but I
wouldn't let her) and said I was very right to stand up for my dear
mamma. As if that had anything to do with it! What are you laughing
at, mamma? Why, Uncle Regie is laughing, and Cousin Rotherwood! What
is it?'
'At the two partisans who never stand up for their own families,' said
Uncle Regie.
'But it's true!' cried Gillian.
'What! that I am never mistaken nor deceived?' said Lady Merrifield.
'Except when you took Miss Constance for a sensible woman, eh?' said
her brother.
'That I never did! But I did take her for a moderately honourable one.'
'Well, that was a mistake,' owned Gillian. 'And Miss Hacket is as bad!
There's no gratitude---'
'Hush!' broke in her mother; and Gillian stopped abashed, while Lady
Merrifield continued, 'I won't have Miss Hacket abused.
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