"And you are going to Scotland?"
"Probably; and then for a round of visits. Dear, dear, how I loathe
it all! I had far rather stay with you."
The heiress smiled gratefully. It was, indeed, the dearest wish of her
heart that Phillipa should stay with her for good and all, and she was
at no pains to conceal the fact. To Phillipa she spoke with
diffidence, doubting whether this great personage could condescend to
favour her son. But there was no lack of frankness in the old lady's
speech.
"If you and he would only make a match of it!"
Miss Fanshawe squeezed Mrs. Purling's hand affectionately.
"I like him, I confess. More's the pity. I'm sure he detests me."
"As if it were possible!"
"Trust a girl to find out whether she's appreciated. Mr. Purling, for
my sins, positively dislikes me; or else he has seen some one already
to whom he has given his heart."
Mrs. Purling shook her head sadly, remembering artful Dolly Driver.
"You do not know all your son's secrets; no mother does."
"I do know this one, I fear."
And then Mrs. Purling described the absurd mistake in identity.
"You are not angry?" she went on. "For my part, I was furious. But
nothing shall come of it, I solemnly declare. Harold will hardly risk
my serious displeasure; but he shall know that, sooner than accept
this creature as my daughter, I would banish him for ever from my
sight.
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