"Not down?"
"Miss Driver is half-way to London, I hope," replied Mrs. Purling,
curtly. She was not a bad general, and had taken prompt measures
already to recover from her temporary reverse.
"I shall go after her."
"If you do, you need not trouble to return."
Nothing more was said, but anger filled the hearts of both mother and
son.
CHAPTER IV.
"I expect my dear friend, Miss Fanshawe, in a few days, Harold. I
trust you will treat her becomingly."
"One would think I was a bear just escaped from the Zoo. Why should
you fear discourtesy from me to any lady?"
"Because she is a friend of mine. Of late you seemed disposed to run
counter to me in every respect."
"I have no such desire, I assure you," said Harold, gravely; and there
the matter ended.
The preparation for Miss Fanshawe's reception could not have been more
ambitious if she had been a royal princess. With much reluctance Mrs.
Purling eschewed triumphal arches and a brass band, but she
redecorated the best bedroom, and sent two carriages to the station,
although her guest could hardly be expected to travel in both.
"_This_ is Miss Fanshawe," said the heiress, with much emphasis--"the
Honourable Miss Fanshawe."
"The Honourable Miss Fanshawe is only a very humble personage, not at
all deserving high-sounding titles," said the young lady for herself.
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